Marquez Valdes-Scantling
WR, South Florida · 2018 NFL Draft, Round 5, pick #174 (GNB)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 116 of ~133 possible regular-season games from 2018 through 2025 (~87%). Plus 3 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #243 (#30 at his position); he went #174, 69 spots earlier. So teams were actually higher on him than the media board was; everyone underrated him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 48.9% of the time (896 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
South Florida: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at 206 lbs: faster than 85% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 119 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 5 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 29 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 0.5 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 29.5 |
| Rushing | 10 att, 52 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 221 rec, 3,708 yds, 21 TD |
| Defense | 4 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2018 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2018 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Taken 32+ picks before ESPN's rank | 48.9% n=896 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 206 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.37 s |
| Bench press | 15 reps |
| Vertical | 30.5" |
| Broad jump | 124" |
| Arm / hand | 32.25" / 10" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #243 overall (#30 WR) |
Picked around him 2018 redraft
| 171 | Mike White | redraft #179 |
| 172 | JK Scott | redraft #118 |
| 173 | Johnny Townsend | redraft #202 |
| 175 | Damion Ratley | redraft #184 |
| 176 | John Kelly | redraft #214 |
| 177 | Duke Ejiofor | redraft #216 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.