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In the words of the 2014 NBA MVP, Kevin Durant, "It's all about what have you done for me lately." Apparently, wide receiver Marqise Lee, did not do enough to prove to NFL scouts and front office personnel that his last season as a Trojan was more about being plagued by injury than being unable to return to his 2012 record-breaking form. Lee was projected to be drafted in the 1st round of the NFL Draft, instead he listened to five other wide receivers names be called as he sat and waited.
NFL Network analyst Heath Evans: ``I can't believe Marqise Lee is still on this board.'' #USC
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) May 9, 2014
1. During the 2013 season, Lee's knee injuries created doubt as it was clear Lee's on-the-field performance was heavily impacted.
2. Lee ran a 4.52 at the NFL Combine and many scouts expected him to be faster.
"I know a lot of people thought I should've ran again, but I think my tape is strong enough," - Lee told me in an interview leading up to the Draft.
3. Winning the Biletnekoff Award in 2012 does not overshadow his 2013 plummet in stats.
Sophomore Year: 118 receptions, 1,721 yards, 14 touchdowns
Junior Year: 57 receptions, 791 yards, 4 touchdowns
Just a friendly reminder that in 2012 Marqise Lee had 118 catches for 1,721 yards in a pro-style offense. Still available in 2nd round.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) May 9, 2014
4. Former USC and current Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll could have drafted his beloved wideout...
So now we're at Pete Carroll and pick No. 32 where Marqise Lee is available. Will this happen?
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) May 9, 2014
...and then the Seahawks traded the 32nd pick to the Minnesota Vikings.
5. In professional sports, it's all about what have you done for me lately.
There is one bright side to Lee going undrafted in the first round. Before his junior season, Lee purchased a $10 million loss of value insurance policy to protect himself against injury and disability. According to ESPN's Darren Rovell:
Marqise Lee has a loss of value insurance policy. If he can prove his drop was because of his injury, he can so far collect $3.8M
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) May 9, 2014
If you would like to read more on Lee's loss of value insurance policy, read this in-depth piece from USC alum Pedro Moura that breaks down why and how much the 2012 Biletnikoff Winner could be eligible for after the NFL Draft.
Expect Marqise Lee to go off the board rather quickly tonight, as experts across the landscape believe he, and Marcus Martin for that matter, could be quite the valuable commodity near the start of the second round.
Southern Cal WR Marqise Lee and OC/OG Marcus Martin potential day 2 steals. Fan of both their games and Martin by far best OC in class IMO.
— Steve Muench (@MuenchESPN) May 9, 2014
Marqise Lee is officially this year's Keenan Allen. Plenty of teams will regret passing on him.
— Dan Greenspan (@DanGreenspan) May 9, 2014