Will Any Shreveport Area Player Go In The NFL Draft First Round?
If you would have asked me 2 months ago if there would be a Shreveport area player taken in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, I would have said 'absolutely yes'. I would have said that because of former Parkway High School star Terrace Marshall, Jr.
Marshall has been an absolute stud, not just at Parkway, but at LSU too.
In his Sophomore year in Baton Rouge, Marshall dealt with injuries, but was still able to score 13 touchdowns that season. Of those 13, he scored twice in the SEC Championship game, and pulled in a total of three touchdowns in the two College Football Playoff games that year.
He came back to LSU in a COVID-shortened 2020, and brought in 10 touchdowns in 7 games before leaving early to prepare for the NFL Draft.
That draft preparation paid off at his Pro Day, where Marshall impressed with his speed and strength. During his 40-yard-dash, Marshall clocked in with a blistering 4.38 in his first run.
He then knocked out 19 reps on the bench press, showing that not only is he one of the fastest "big" wide receivers in the draft, but is also stronger than he looks.
But even with all of this, there is a chance that Marshall may fall out of the First Round. At least, according to a bunch of the "experts".
Some of the draft "experts" believe that other receivers have surpassed Marshall's stock. Just a few weeks ago, most of the same publications were projecting him to get drafted by teams like the Tennessee Titans or Baltimore Ravens. Both teams will be drafting in the back-half of the First Round.
But now some of those writers are projecting other players in those spots, and pushing Marshall out of the First Round. Which is weird, because nothing changed with Marshall.
Honestly though, I still think Marshall goes in the first round. The Baltimore Ravens have been linked to him multiple times, and he'd make an incredible weapon for them.
If Marshall goes in the First Round of the draft, he'll likely be the only area player to be taken that early, but he won't be the only area player to get drafted this year. Another former Parkway Panther, South Carolina DB Israel Mukuamu will also be drafted this year. Northwood star, and Houston Cougar WR Marquez Stevenson will also likely have his name called during the draft. Evangel's Ar'Darius Washington, who went to TCU, is also expected to get drafted, just like former Calvary star Rodarius Williams, who played at Oklahoma State.