2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Marcus Yarns, Delaware

Marcus Yarns has torn apart defenses during his time with Delaware and could see his name rise among the top FCS prospects. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and film analysis on him.

Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of Delaware RB Marcus Yarns

Measurables:

• 5’11”
• 260 lbs

Player Background: 

A two-way player out of Parkside HS in Maryland, Marcus Yarns committed to Delaware as an unranked recruit in the 2020 class. His first taste of action came in one game against Villanova but he didn’t record any stats. He started just one game the following season, playing in eight total contests. In said games, he rushed 23 times for 80 yards and caught two passes for five yards.

He had a sole start across 13 games in 2022 and operated as an effective rotational back. Yarns rushed 73 times for 481 yards and a score, adding on 21 grabs for 199 yards and three TDs. His 2023 season was the best of his collegiate career, eclipsing over 1,200 total yards and 18 total touchdowns. He continued to be a strong contributor to the Fightin’ Blue Hens offense in 2024 with almost 1,150 total yards and 11 scores.

Accolades: 

• All-CAA Second Team (2023)
• FCS Football Central All-America Third Team (2023)
• All-CAA First Team (2024)

Strengths/Pros: 

Yarns is a lethal vertical runner and moving downfield is where he generates most of his success. His first cut is lethal, driving through his legs and getting ridiculous early leverage. He’s a very easy mover, he doesn’t make himself bigger than he is nor gets too chaotic. This allows him to glide through his movements and make chunk plays look casual. His straight-line speed is extremely explosive, gaining ground quickly and working to the second level in an instant.

He’s a patient runner when he needs to be, decelerating and accelerating well to out-maneuver defenders. Yarns flows through lighter contact in traffic, not letting it offset him and using good awareness to keep himself moving downfield. He keeps the ball tight to his body and rarely puts it in harm’s way. He offers legit receiving upside, moving well in space, and operating smoothly within screen concepts. His hands are also very soft through catch point and is a natural route runner.

Weaknesses/Cons: 

Issues within Yarns’ game begin when he’s forced to work laterally to evade defenders and create space. His agility is a problem, he gets brought down too easily when working horizontally and doesn’t hit holes hard when doing so. He’s also a very strict gameplan runner, rarely working off-script to create more than what’s given to him. This handcuffs his big-play potential and doesn’t let him maximize some running lanes. He has problems as a pass blocker with both his technique and power that minimize the extent of his role.

Yarns is built well for a receiving back but is far too lean to be a physical threat. He doesn’t efficiently drive through contact and rarely gains those extra 2-3 yards at the end of plays. To go with his lateral weaknesses, he doesn’t have enough ball carrier moves to make people miss in compact spaces. His vision and decision-making at the line are inconsistent and will get too passive instead of using his burst to work through tight gaps.

Potential Team Fits: 

• Philadelphia Eagles
• Baltimore Ravens
• Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Projection: 

Projecting Yarns is an interesting task, as he’s a very scheme-specific prospect but his upside is immense. A RB1 role is likely not in his future but he could be a contributor as a receiving back and/or RB2 for several years. His speed and downhill abilities will catch defenses off guard and there’s a very clear path for him to succeed at the next level as a change-of-pace weapon.

Prospect Grade: 

• Late 4th Round To Early 5th Round

Film Exposures: 

• 2024 vs. Monmouth
• 2024 vs. Albany
• 2024 vs. Villanova