Dynasty Football Factory’s 2025 NFL Draft Coverage: Woody Marks

Woody Marks | USC                      5’10” 207 lbs.             12/9/2000 (24)

Woody Marks was drafted by the Houston Texans, becoming the 10th running back and 116th overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks was a five-year player in college, playing his first four seasons for Mississippi State before transferring to USC. Believe it or not, despite the lower rushing volume you see above, Marks led this Mississippi Bulldog team in rush attempts all four seasons he was there. This was just a team that loved to throw the football, especially in Woody’s first three seasons. QB Will Rogers had over 600 attempts in 2021 and 2022 for the Bulldogs. Marks was clearly a beneficiary of this pass-heavy scheme, given his receiving totals over the years. He currently stands 64th overall in FBS history in career receptions, a truly incredible mark for a running back. 

While Marks put up some nice counting stats in the receiving game, he wasn’t overly efficient through the air, posting a career 1.13 yards per route run (YPRR). As a rusher, his advanced metrics were pretty pedestrian as well. For his career, Marks had under 100 missed tackles forced on over 600 attempts. His yards after contact per attempt (YCO/A) of 2.76 is well below average for an NFL-caliber running back. And his 30% career breakaway rate is fairly disappointing. Overall, Woody’s production profile proves he can be a reliable back, specifically in third-down situations, but he’s not necessarily a difference-maker. 

FILM

Marks is a one-cut type of rusher who displays some burst through the hole but lacks real breakaway speed. He’s a patient runner with above-average vision, and his experience at the college level has taught him how to wait for his blocks to develop and find the hole in the defense. He’s not going to give you a ton of monster gains; rather, he will take what he’s given. Marks values ball security, with just three fumbles on over 600 college attempts. 

On the receiving side, Marks displays soft hands out of the backfield and is a reliable safety net when a pass play breaks down. He’s not going to break a ton of tackles in the open field and lacks some lateral agility in his game. Marks does the little things well and has a high football IQ. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

Marks posted an RAS of 7.43, which is above average for his position. He’s a decent athlete, but not elite in any one department. Marks posted a 4.54 40-yard dash, a 4.24 shuttle time, a 35” vertical jump, and a 9’11” broad jump. These all hit the minimum thresholds we’re looking for in an NFL running back. At 5’10” and 207 pounds, Marks is no bruiser, but he has sufficient size to take on a sizable role at the next level. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Average

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent

Woody Marks was selected 116th overall by the Houston Texans. 

While Woody did fall to Day 3, most draft analysts expected him to go much later in the draft. A Round 4 selection and being the tenth RB off the board is a pleasant surprise for Marks truthers, and he is walking into a situation where there isn’t much competition for that RB2 role. Mixon will continue to see the lion’s share in this backfield, but Marks can be the next man in line if he impresses in training camp. Early Round 4 draft capital suggests Houston believes in Marks as a prospect. Mixon is under contract through 2026, but Houston can cut ties after 2025 if he fails to meet expectations. At the very least, Marks has real contingent upside, and in a ceiling scenario, he could be the third-down back right away in this offense. 

The clear downside here is that Marks is already 24 years old and will be 25 in December. So even in the best-case scenario, you’re probably looking at a running back who is nearing the end of the road after his first contract. At best, we may have about four usable fantasy seasons from Marks.

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Marks was one of “my guys” in the 2025 Dynasty Rookie Draft Guide, so I was always a little higher than consensus. The lack of efficiency from an analytical standpoint scares me, but I love the experience he brings to the Texans, and I was fairly impressed with his tape. As mentioned, he’s not a home run hitter, but he does all the little things right and rarely makes mistakes. 

I currently have Woody Marks as my 40th overall rookie prospect in Superflex formats. I think he should be available in the early-fourth round of most Dynasty rookie drafts this offseason, and I believe he’s a clear value there. All it takes is one injury from Mixon, and Marks could be the RB1 for a high-powered Houston offense. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I hope you got some valuable information you can use for your fantasy team! If you’d like additional insight into Dynasty Football news and analysis, please follow me on Twitter at @jim_DFF. Until next time, keep grinding out there, DFF family! #DFFArmy #AlwaysBeBuilding