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Though underutilized at Ohio State, Marcus Baugh will have the opportunity to prove his worth as an offensive weapon in the NFL, because after the conclusion of the 2018 NFL Draft, the tight end has reportedly signed as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders.
Free Agent Alert: @MarcusBaugh85 ➡️ @RAIDERS #GoBucks #DevelopedHere #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/jNqIidYL7k
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 28, 2018
As most TEs have been in the Urban Meyer system, Baugh was seen primarily as a blocker during his four years in Columbus. However, in his senior season, he did catch five touchdown passes, and accounted for 304 yards through the air. A two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention, the Riverside, Calif. native was one of only two Buckeyes two have a reception in every game of the 2017 season, and had at least one catch in 23 or his final 24 games as a Buckeye.
His 55 receptions ranks ninth in OSU history for a tight end, and his eight TDs is seventh. Though he was never a focal point of the offense, scouts do see upside in the 6’3, 247-pounder. His athletic ability serves him well in two areas especially, open field running after the catch, and in pass blocking. He also has the ability to post up smaller linebackers who cover him.
However, he posted a double-digit drop rate over his final two seasons in Columbus, and doesn’t yet have the strength to be a consistent run blocker at the next level. But, his quality footwork and long arms give him some advantages that he could grow into with NFL coaching.
Congrats to Marcus on making a move to the next level.