NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh by Jody Jamieson 17/2/2009
There’s something about LeSean McCoy running the football on tape that reminds me a little of Reggie Bush. Of course, the black and gold uniforms with #25 on the back is the first tell tale sign, but you watch his cut moves and it is very reminiscent of Bush’s style as he approaches the hole. McCoy is very light on his feet, much like Bush, and his lateral movement before hitting full speed again is pretty impressive. McCoy knows how to make a man miss in the open field without losing a step and it’s great to watch. McCoy is a willing runner up the middle, as is Reggie Bush, but both feel more comfortable and are more effective getting to the perimeter. McCoy can break a tackle, but will likely be more effective getting into space. I believe both players are very similar but the reason McCoy’s stock won’t be as high as Reggie’s was coming out of USC is that McCoy doesn’t have the elite speed that Bush has. He’s fast, no doubt about it, but even Bush has trouble getting to the edge in the NFL. McCoy will likely break more tackles in the pros than Bush, but he’s not the most punishing runner in the Draft.
I have McCoy ranked third among running backs this year. He just doesn’t have the tools Wells or Moreno have, but he’s very versatile and will be an excellent change of pace back as a pro. I can’t ever see him being the type to carry the load, but these days less and less backs are being asked to do that. McCoy has a chance to be a first round pick, but will likely be taken in the second. I just can’t see where he’s going to fit with the teams picking in the bottom half of the first round. Look for him to fit with a team with a powerful back already in place as their change of pace back, much like the Tennessee Titans did last year pairing Chris Johnson with LenDale White. Everyone loves a bit of “smash and dash” in the NFL and McCoy will look to dash onto the field in Week 1 and become one half of the newest formidable pairing coming out of the backfield.
What we like about McCoy
McCoy has good instincts, and hits the hole very quickly. He doesn’t have elite size or speed, but he has enough of both attributes to be effective turning the corner or breaking tackles in the NFL. He’s tough to bring down and works hard for the extra yard. He’s a good receiver out of the backfield. McCoy is dangerous in the open field, and can make you look silly with a cut move.
Question Marks about McCoy
My one biggest concern about McCoy is ball security as he doesn’t regularly secure the football close to his body. He carries the ball too loosely and could be a fumble candidate at the next level. This is the one reason I don’t have him over Wells or Moreno. Could do to get a little stronger before September. Doesn’t pick up the blitz well.
Highlight of his college career
McCoy totalled over 200 yards from scrimmage in a win over Navy in his sophomore year, including 156 rushing yards on just 18 carries. He scored 2 touchdowns.
Other snippets
McCoy is a redshirt sophomore, and only played 2 seasons with Pittsburgh. He took his 584 career carries for 2,816 yards and an impressive 35 touchdowns. His brother LeRon was a wide receiver with the Arizona Cardinals. McCoy was the Big East freshman of the year in 2007. I personally want to see the 49ers pick McCoy in the 2nd round and pair him with Frank Gore. Mike Singletary is committed to the run and it would be an excellent combination. If he doesn’t land with the Niners, look for McCoy to be taken at the top of the second round by St Louis or Cleveland.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
I have McCoy ranked third among running backs this year. He just doesn’t have the tools Wells or Moreno have, but he’s very versatile and will be an excellent change of pace back as a pro. I can’t ever see him being the type to carry the load, but these days less and less backs are being asked to do that. McCoy has a chance to be a first round pick, but will likely be taken in the second. I just can’t see where he’s going to fit with the teams picking in the bottom half of the first round. Look for him to fit with a team with a powerful back already in place as their change of pace back, much like the Tennessee Titans did last year pairing Chris Johnson with LenDale White. Everyone loves a bit of “smash and dash” in the NFL and McCoy will look to dash onto the field in Week 1 and become one half of the newest formidable pairing coming out of the backfield.
