Marques Cox OT Kentucky | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Marques Cox OT Kentucky
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: Left Tackle | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 06/29/2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 5.25 seconds (53%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 24.6 DOB: 12/28/1999 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUB-POSITION: Left Tackle | |
| Last Updated: 06/29/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 5.25 seconds (53%*) | |
| Age: 24.6 DOB: 12/28/1999 | |
|
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
|
| Overall Rating: | 80.9 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
|
75% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Pass Blocking: |
|
77% |
| Run Blocking: |
|
72% |
|
DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#167
Position rank:
#31
|
||
| College Games: 48 College Snaps: 3009 | ||
247 RATING: 85/100
|
||
|
RIVALS RATING: 5.5 (90%)
|
||
| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cade Mays - Tennessee |
|
96% |
| Caedan Wallace - Penn State |
|
94% |
| James Hudson - Cincinnati |
|
92% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Marques Cox, a seasoned offensive tackle from Kentucky, brings a wealth of experience to the gridiron. Hailing from Peoria, Illinois, Cox's journey began with a state championship at Peoria High School, where he anchored a record-setting offense. His collegiate career, spanning six years across Northern Illinois and Kentucky, has been marked by consistent improvement and resilience.At Northern Illinois, Cox quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the offensive line, starting 34 of 36 games. His prowess in pass protection was evident, allowing just three sacks in over 1,000 snaps. Cox's impact extended to the run game, helping NIU achieve the fourth-best rushing attack in FBS in 2021. His transfer to Kentucky for the 2023 season showcased his adaptability, immediately securing the starting left tackle position for all 13 games.
Cox's accolades include multiple All-MAC team selections and a spot on the Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List. His decision to return for a seventh season in 2024 speaks volumes about his commitment to perfecting his craft. With 49 career games and 46 starts under his belt, Cox brings a rare combination of experience and skill to the NFL draft table.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Good pass protection skills, demonstrating the ability to anchor against power rushers and mirror speed on the edge.
- Versatile experience in multiple offensive systems, showcasing adaptability and football IQ in both run and pass-heavy schemes.
- Impressive durability and stamina, evidenced by high snap counts and consistent performance across long drives.
- Strong hands and initial punch, effectively neutralizing defenders at the point of attack in both run and pass situations.
- Solid footwork in pass sets, maintaining balance and leveraging his length to keep rushers at bay.
- Demonstrates good awareness in picking up stunts and blitzes, communicating well with interior linemen.
- Effective run blocker, using his size and strength to create movement at the line of scrimmage.
- High football IQ, as shown by his ability to quickly adapt to Kentucky's offense after transferring from Northern Illinois.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Average athleticism for the position, potentially limiting his effectiveness against elite NFL edge rushers in space.
- Inconsistent pad level in run blocking, occasionally playing too high and sacrificing leverage against shorter defenders.
- May struggle with speed rushers at the next level, needing to improve his kick-slide and overall lateral quickness.
- Hand placement can be erratic at times, leading to holding penalties and loss of control in extended pass-pro situations.
- Recovery skills when beaten initially are a concern, potentially exposing him against more refined NFL pass rushers.
Scouting Report: Summary
Marques Cox projects as a solid developmental tackle with the potential to become a reliable starter in the right system. His extensive college experience and proven pass protection skills make him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking offensive line depth. Cox's best fit would likely be in a power-run scheme that emphasizes his strength and run-blocking abilities while allowing him to refine his pass protection techniques.While his athleticism may limit his ceiling as a left tackle at the NFL level, Cox's football IQ and technical skills could see him transition successfully to right tackle or even guard. His durability and consistency are major plusses, suggesting he could provide immediate value as a swing tackle while developing into a starter. Teams with patient coaching staffs and a need for offensive line reinforcement will find Cox an appealing mid-round option with starter upside.
In a league where offensive line play is at a premium, Cox's combination of size, experience, and room for growth make him a prospect worth investing in. His transition to the NFL may require some time, but his track record suggests he has the work ethic and resilience to meet the challenge head-on.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)
Marques Cox percentiles vs other Offensive Tackles (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Marques Cox (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
134.3
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
29.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.