In a draft class that is deep at the running back position and includes plenty of names from bigger schools, Marcus Yarns is still a guy whose play stands out. Turn on the film for any one of his games, and it won’t take long until you see Yarns breaking off a big run. His explosiveness and ability to change the game in the blink of an eye is evident.
Yarns had a breakout 2023 campaign where he really put himself on the map. That play carried over into his 2024 season as he continued to light up defenses, earning an invite to the NFL Combine and the Senior Bowl.
There’s always a place in the NFL for players as electric as Yarns, meaning all he has to do is take advantage of whatever opportunity comes his way.
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Marcus Yarns NFL Draft Projection
I project Yarns will be selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Yarns had good showings at the combine and the Senior Bowl. He showcased his potential throughout both events, and I believe this solidified his draft stock.
Marcus Yarns’ Height & Weight
Yarns measured in at 5-foot-11, 193 pounds at the NFL Combine.
What Was Marcus Yarns’ 40-Yard Dash Time?
Yarns ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at the NFL Combine.
This was 11th out of 24 running backs. His 10-yard split time (1.55 seconds) tied for the 10th-fastest and his vertical (37 feet, 5 inches) tied for ninth. Yarns’ broad jump distance of 10 feet, 2 inches ranked 13th.
Marcus Yarns’ Stats & Highlights
Following a ho-hum 2022 campaign, Yarns quickly stepped onto the scene and became one of the best weapons in the FCS and the Coastal Athletic Association. He had four 100-yard games in the first five weeks of the season. He totaled 939 rushing yards and 311 receiving yards, finishing with 1,250 all-purpose yards. He also had 18 total touchdowns — 15 rushing and three receiving. He was a second-team All-CAA selection.
Yarns’ productivity continued in his graduate season, where he totaled 1,141 yards and 11 total touchdowns in just nine games. He had four games where he had at least one receiving and one rushing touchdown and was tabbed first-team All-CAA.
Marcus Yarns’ NFL Draft Profile
Yarns is one of the more intriguing late-round offensive weapons in the draft, and his ability to explode for huge plays is a big reason why. His speed and elusiveness make him difficult to contain, but his below-average size will obviously make it easier for defenders in the NFL to bring him down compared to what he was used to in college. It’ll be essential for him to add some muscle.
Yarns has the potential to be a change-of-pace back and a key piece for an offense. He’s an excellent receiver out of the backfield and tough to cover, even for defensive backs. He was consistently winning one-on-one reps at the Senior Bowl and can create a ton of mismatches in the NFL. He’s a proven route-runner and could potentially even line up in the slot if a team is interested in utilizing him in that role.
While he’s a good blocker for his size, his pass-blocking will need to improve going up against bigger, stronger defenders in order for him to be a consistent third-down back in the league — or even a three-down back.
There’s a ton of upside for Yarns, and I imagine he would excel if he’s used in a James White or De’Von Achane type of role.
