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Marshaun Coprich, RB, Illinois State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jonathan Gross

Jan 10, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; Illinois State Redbirds running back Marshaun Coprich (25) runs the ball against the North Dakota State Bison at Pizza Hut Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; Illinois State Redbirds running back Marshaun Coprich (25) runs the ball against the North Dakota State Bison at Pizza Hut Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Every draft, there is a player who comes from a small school who puts up ridiculous numbers, but still has many question marks. This year, that player is Marshaun Coprich.

He finished 2015 with nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, both astronomical numbers for any level of football. The former Red Bird enters the draft as one of the most productive players available.

Yet, with all the positives, there are certainly negatives, which makes Coprich one of the most intriguing athletes in the class.

Measurables

Height: 5-8

Weight: 207 pounds

40-yard dash: 4.47

Strengths

Coprich makes up for his small stature with incredible agility and surprising strength. He is able to make defenders miss in the open field and does a great job of hiding behind his blockers while waiting for a lane to open. Even if that lane is on the opposite side of the field, Coprich will find it and hit it hard.

As you can see in the above video, Coprich is a diverse runner who is extremely difficult to bring down.

Not only does he have all of tools, but he uses them. There are a lot of running backs who have potential in certain areas of their game. Coprich already improved on that potential, which is a good thing.

Weaknesses

Coprich’s biggest knock is an off-the-field incident prior to the 2015 season. He was busted selling marijuana to an undercover cop and is currently on two years probation. With the NFL trying to clean its image, that is something that will affect his draft stock.

Critics will also note the fact that he played against inferior competition at the FCS level.

Another weakness is his size. At 5-8, can he be a legitimate running back in the NFL? Also, it is not clear-cut whether he can be a three-down back or just a situational player.

Outlook

Purely based on tape, Marshaun Coprich should be one of the top running backs in this draft class. When you add in the level he played at and his off-the-field activity, his stock drops quite a bit. Nonetheless, Coprich is talented and will find a place at the next level.

Expect his name to be called in the sixth or seventh round.

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