Possibility at 17: LeSean McCoy

As we head for the Draft, Gang Green Nation will take a look at some potential picks for the team. Today we will profile LeSean McCoy, a running back from the University of Pittsburgh.

What NFL Draft Countdown thinks:

Strengths:
A smooth, fluid athlete...Natural runner with excellent vision and instincts...Plays faster than he times...Very quick with a burst...Nice balance and agility...Nifty feet...Slippery and has some wiggle...Hits the hole hard...Can run inside and outside effectively...Terrific hands and a good receiver out of the backfield...Has shown he can carry the load...Does a great job on the goaline...Real competitive...Does not have a lot of mileage on his  tires...Solid work ethic...Very  productive.

Weaknesses:
Just average size and bulk...Lacks elite timed speed...Not real strong, tough or powerful...Won't break a lot of tackles...Needs to work on ball security...Leaves a lot to be desired as a blocker...Intelligence may be an issue...Minor durability  concerns...Character's been questioned.

What SB Nation's Mocking the Draft thinks:

Strengths: McCoy is a good all-around back who has the speed and shiftiness of a good back and plus receiving skills for the position. McCoy's best tool is his quickness. He uses it bust a run outside or inside without losing speed. Played mostly in one-back formations, which forced him to follow blockers or make space with his moves. 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.

Weaknesses: Needs to get stronger. McCoy often tries to go off tackle instead of just charging up the middle to get the tough yards. Has to hold the ball tighter to avoid fumbling. Likes to cutback a lot but doesn't have the greatest quickness so this area of his game may translate poorly to the next level. Has to be taught how to block better.

What I think:

McCoy's game is different from fellow first round running back prospects Chris Wells and Knowshon Moreno. He is not as strong of a runner between the tackles. He relies more on speed and athleticism than either of them in addition to elite vision. With this in mind, he would not provide as much of a contrast as Leon Washington in a two back rotation for the next few years. A rotation of two elusive runners can be very effective. The bust factor for any of these running backs is low. Considering the amount of money at play in the first round, this is a major point in their favor. It appears to be a deep year at running back. Quality players should be available in later rounds. However, there is no telling how the Draft will shake out. Maybe an absoulte steal at a different position will be there when the Jets otherwise would have picked a running back. If the Jets feel they can fill the need at the position early, how could anybody really be upset with adding a quality player?