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Marqise Lee Ready To Emerge In NFL Draft

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The former USC star will take his place in a crowded green room backstage: He's one of seven receivers among a record 30 players who RSVP'd to attend the NFL draft.

Pre-draft anxiety apparently bothers Lee about as much as an overmatched cornerback.

"I don't really stress about it," he told Klein.

Lee, the 2012 Biletnikoff Award winner as college football's top receiver, began last season projected as a possible top-10 draft pick.

Lee's resume includes 248 career catches, 29 for touchdowns, and 3,655 yards receiving, a school record amassed in three seasons.

Then Klein references the up-and-down nature of USC WR's in the NFL, which still leaves many questions about Lee's future this upcoming season. In the last 40 years, six USC receivers were drafted in the first round, four in the second.

R. Jay Soward, the Jacksonville Jaguars' first-round pick in 2000, was suspended indefinitely for substance abuse violations and never returned to the NFL after one troubled season.

Mike Williams, chosen 10th overall in 2005, fell short of expectations. Dwayne Jarrett struggled with the Carolina Panthers, but fellow second-round picks Keary Colbert and Steve Smith enjoyed modestly productive careers with several teams.

Robert Woods, a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in last year's draft, produced a solid rookie season.

"I know the history," Lee said, noting that each player's situation was different and that many schools have produced high draft picks who have faltered.

"I'm excited," Lee said, about his prospects for Thursday night. "I'm eager to see where they're going to end up."

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