Malaefou MacKenzie's measureables quicken the heartbeat; 4.4 40 speed, a 445-pound bench press and a 38-inch vertical jump. Could the Jaguars' seventh-round pick from USC become the steal of the draft?
The answer to that question will largely depend on MacKenzie's ability to combine all of his skills into the role of "West Coast offense" fullback, which will require MacKenzie to become more of a pass-catcher than a runner or blocker.
That's exactly what MacKenzie, 5-10, 233, did in his final two seasons at USC, catching 27 and 39 passes respectively. But he did it as mostly from the tailback position.
He moved full-time to fullback for the final seven games of his senior season, and the Jaguars saw enough to make them believe MacKenzie could become that run-catch-block fullback that is so important in the "West Coast offense."
"We'll line MacKenzie up first at fullback. You can do a lot with him. He's a good receiver. He's been an all-purpose back," Jaguars personnel director James "Shack" Harris said of the team's final pick of the 2003 NFL Draft.
"His strong suit is he's been out in open spaces," head coach Jack Del Rio said, referring to MacKenzie's time as a tailback. In his career at USC, MacKenzie rushed for 939 yards and eight touchdowns.
