Scouting Report 2009: Better Know a Draft Prospect: Pittsburgh Running Back LeSean McCoy
by FSBlueApocalypse on Feb 25, 2009 7:00 AM EST
in 2009 Scouting Reports
30 comments
Today we are looking at what many are calling Vic's newest man crush, Pitt Panther running back LeSean McCoy. The running back class in this year's draft has had a roller coaster of projections. Before juniors declared, it was being described as possibly the weakest in a decade, then when McCoy, UGa RB Knowshown Moreno, and Ohio St RB Beanie Wells declared, they were described as some of the best prospects ever. Then with their combine results, the expectations have once again hit with a dud.
With the release of Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew is now the man in Jacksonville. However, concerns, both of MJD and of McCoy, may lead the Jaguars to draft him in the 2nd round.
While MJD is a small back, he is definetely a power guy. He runs between the tackles well and smacks people in the mouth. McCoy is a guy who is more suited for stretch and screen plays.
McCoy spent two years with the Panthers, accumulating 2731 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns.
Video Killed The Scouting Report
By The Numbers
| At A Glance | |||||
| Position 1: Running Back |
Height: 5-11 | ||||
| Position 2: Returner/Special Teams |
Weight: 210 | ||||
| Class: Sophomore | Age: 21 | ||||
| Projected Round: 2 |
40time: 4.5 |
||||
At first glance, McCoy seems to have a lot in common with incumbent Maurice Jones-Drew. Both are smaller backs that are built. McCoy only has two years as a starter, so he has relatively low miles on him. McCoy also comes out of a Pro style offense, which is beginning to become a huge plus in the Spread Option era of College football.
According to the Experts
Positives
FF Toolbox: He has decent instincts and is certainly sporting a nice mixture of size and speed. It also takes a lot to knock him down. On many occasions, his superb balance and control have kept McCoy upright when most backs would be lying on the ground.
Mocking The Draft: An exceptional cut-back runner. Good hands in the receiving game. Also knows how to run good routes and will be an asset on screen passes.
NFL Draft Dog: At 210 lbs he is still a good inside runner who can squeeze and burst through a hole. He has strong, thick legs with a low center of gravity that allows him to bounce off would be tacklers.
Negatives
FF Toolbox: Did not run through the tackles well, or even often, in college
Mocking The Draft: Must hold the ball better to avoid fumbles, must be a better pass blocker
NFL Draft Dog: Top end speed, upper body strength, pass protection
Why Should He Be a Jaguar
You guys want a guy who can be the BAP in Round 2? You're looking at him. McCoy can certainly help out the Jaguars backfield and add another threat on offense. With MJD certainly becoming "The Man" in Jacksonville, we need someone now who can be a change of pace back as well as helping out in the return game.
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He sounds impressive.
Do you think that he would be the BAP during the Jags 2nd pick.
by JagSoldier on Feb 25, 2009 9:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
He very well could be
If I had to take a stab at it, if one of the USC LBs, McCoy, or Patrick Chung were available when the Jags pick round two, they’re in Teal and Black.
"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."-Bill Hicks
by FSBlueApocalypse on Feb 25, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Keep Alex Mack in mind too
He popped up in Vic’s column, and he really would be an excellent marriage of value and need.
by MoveThoseChains on Feb 25, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Without putting too much emphasis on just a number
I wish he’d have run the 40 a little faster. I guess really none of the backs did, and that’s why he would be around in the 2nd round anyway, but I just wish the Jags could get someone in the 4.3-4.4 range to truly provide a change of speed from MJD. With that said, the video is still impressive, and he would still be an excellent pick.
by MoveThoseChains on Feb 25, 2009 10:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I wonder about the field surface that they ran on
Some strange things happened, Running Backs and Cornerbacks were all slow this year, Wide Receivers and Linebackers were quick, and offensive linemen were about the same. It’d be very bizarre to have an entire position be considered slow, which makes me wonder if there was any difference in the surface.
The other issue, of course, is that there really is no “official time”, the Jaguars will use whatever the Jaguars timed, the Colts will use what they timed, and the NFLNetwork will report “official time” as whatever they clocked. You’d be surprised in how different those times may be. Of course, we’re talking about marking time to a nearly inconceivable degree. A 4.3 player vs a 4.5 player might be significant, especially at corner, but if you start comparing a 4.42 player with a 4.48 player, then we’re talking about the margin of error in the eye and finger of the timer.
Big Cat Country!:: The Official Home of the Unofficial Blog of the Jacksonville Jaguars!
by River City Rage on Feb 25, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
SI.com
They’re reporting that the field has been to blame for the “Slow” times in those positions. It’s certainly interesting. Makes me think next year almost none of the “Speed” position players will be running at Indy and will only do it at their Pro Day.
"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."-Bill Hicks
by FSBlueApocalypse on Feb 25, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If that's true,
No WR, RB, or DB will run. What will they talk about during the Combine Coverage if nobody is running? Rick Eisen’s 40-yard dash isn’t entertaining enough.
Big Cat Country!:: The Official Home of the Unofficial Blog of the Jacksonville Jaguars!
by River City Rage on Feb 25, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The 225 lb press for linemen?
I’m trying to find it, but I’m fuming looking at Don Bank’s mock saying we’ll pick Mark Sanchez.
"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."-Bill Hicks
by FSBlueApocalypse on Feb 25, 2009 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also it said that the field may have cost guys as much as .5 seconds.
"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."-Bill Hicks
by FSBlueApocalypse on Feb 25, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Go to NFL.com
Check out Pat Kirwins mok draft. He has picking a QB too.
by JagSoldier on Feb 25, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not a supporter of the Jags taking Sanchez at all
but if Stafford managed to slip down it would be a lot more tempting
by SoCalStites on Feb 25, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like either
But I’ll take Sanchez over Stafford. I’ve seen plenty of UGa games, and why Stafford is considered a Top 10 prospect still baffles me. I sometimes wonder if Scouts even bother to watch college games at all anymore.
"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."-Bill Hicks
by FSBlueApocalypse on Feb 25, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BTW
The Bench Press is also stupid: Offensive linemen with really long arms are at a pretty big disadvantage.
I’m in a “screw the combine” mood.
Big Cat Country!:: The Official Home of the Unofficial Blog of the Jacksonville Jaguars!
by River City Rage on Feb 25, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
McCoy would be a great 2nd round pick. It would be even better if we get at least three 2nd round picks. That way we could possible pick up McCoy, Patrick Chung, and LB or CB or Safety.
by ajagsbeliever on Feb 25, 2009 1:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
As copied from earlier post...
I got a fever, and it needs…
LeSean Mckoy to be in teal and black next year. Watching highlight tapes of this guy is causing me to halucinate images of MJD and the Real Mckoy tearing up the field for 300 all purpose yards a game. With both of them in the backfield, every single defense in the NFL will cringe when they have the Jags the next Sunday. What do yall think? If we got this guy in the second round after trading back and hopefully picking up a LT in the first round. Wow… I can already see it now. MJD = The Hammer, The Real Mckoy = The Sickle. The Hammer and Sickle… That’s hot
by aibtureman on Feb 25, 2009 2:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thats good
but what do they do if they cant get a LT in the Draft? Barnes is gone so who are they gonna put in there? I have been wondering about this. Theres no one in free agency who is much better than Barnes that I can see.
by JagSoldier on Feb 25, 2009 3:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
There is talent everywhere, not just at the big schools.
Remember vic said a small market team is going to have to be creative in drafting players. I expect Gene et al to go on some serious Gem hunting.
by Slvrgun on Feb 25, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My worry is that
it’s hard to find LT gems. It’s not like WR, RB, or even QB. There is a particular skill set you need at LT and it’s a little more obvious when a 310 lbs guy is doing his “thing” or not, at least to the QB it’s obvious. haha
by Ewdtrey on Feb 25, 2009 8:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand we're going to BAP mode....
But man……. why would we go to the season with 3 Rbs, and no good Cbs except Rashean?
I mean, if McCoy ended slipping like K.Smith or Slaton all the way to the 3rd, its a no-brainer, but I’d rather go with d.Florence to war instead of a 4th round Cb………
I think Cb is the hardest position to get talent in low rounds in the NFL……………… And it scares me to think that we could select a 2nd Mojo Drew iwith pur second pick and have something equivalent to will james covering Kevin Walter when we face the Texans…………….
by jaxjags.. on Feb 25, 2009 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Are you forgetting about Scott Starks maybe?
by SoCalStites on Feb 25, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, I like starks..... he can keep up in man to man.......
But i mean,……. whenever James played this season, the results where frightening……..
He got burned badly………….. each and every time he played….. so if we’re going to the next season with Rashean, Williams and a rookie, things can get nasty………….
At least i would like the jags to re-sign Starks, but i don’t believe that’s going to happen……….
by jaxjags.. on Feb 25, 2009 9:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't even realize he was a free agent, good catch
I think he will get resigned. He’ll be cheap and it’s not going to be like the Gerald situation. This is a player that has been developed by the Jaguars and the best has still yet to come.
by SoCalStites on Feb 25, 2009 11:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LaSean
For a smaller back he seems to break tackles well. He plays fast as well, despite running a 4.5, but then again, something may have been up with the surface. If he is there in the second round, he is a Jag next season.
by Bestjagfan on Feb 25, 2009 7:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
We don’t have to necessarily pick one of the top 4 LT’s in the draft. There are still others that we could pick up in later rounds. It would be nice if we could get one of the 4 top tackles, but we don’t have to if they seem like they are a risk to get.
by ajagsbeliever on Feb 25, 2009 8:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If you think one of the 4 top LTs are too much of a risk to pick and plug right into a starting role
You should really hate the thought of plugging in a rookie LT from later rounds. Those are potential projects or depth picks, not the second most important player on your offense.
by MoveThoseChains on Feb 26, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LT as a starter
If we intend to start a rookie at LT next year, he better be out of the first round. You can’t really draft a tackle in the third or later and expect him to start for you in his first year. However if we intend to keep Khalif(not likely) or we sign a cheaper tackle in free agency to hold down the fort until the rookie develops, then we don’t have to take a tackle in the first round.
by Bestjagfan on Feb 26, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what's the downside
in putting the transition tag on Barnes. You don’t pay quite as much as a franchise player as he will get paid the average of the top 10 players at his position(instead of the top 5), I believe. Also correct me if I’m wrong, with the loss of the cap I think Barnes would become a RFA next year, and assuming we tender him (low) we could get a ("compensation")pick from some other team that needs a LT.
by Ewdtrey on Feb 26, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Transition tags are basicly worthless
Because it’s simply an offer. If a team signed him there would be no compensation in return.
"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."-Bill Hicks
by FSBlueApocalypse on Feb 26, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not worried about compensation
I just want the guy on the team for another year until we figure who can take his place. I read a rumor that we offered a one year contract, but he turned it down. But if we tag him we get to keep him another year, against his will if need be. It doesn’t matter if he likes it or not because he’ll be in a contract year so he will play motivated football for a future contract with another team.
However if he does get offered more somewhere else, at least we costed the other team more money which kinda reduces their ability to sign other people.
by Ewdtrey on Feb 27, 2009 4:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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