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LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh) - 2009 NFL Draft Pick #53 by PHI

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Pre-Draft Analysis for LeSean McCoy (2009 NFL Draft)

Overview:
LeSean McCoy, a running back from the University of Pittsburgh, was a highly regarded prospect heading into the 2009 NFL Draft. Known for his exceptional agility, vision, and versatility, McCoy showcased a blend of speed and power that made him a standout player in college football. Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: McCoy's quick footwork and burst allowed him to navigate through defenses efficiently. His ability to make sharp cuts at full speed made him a threat to break big plays.
• Vision: He demonstrated excellent field awareness, enabling him to find running lanes and anticipate defenders' movements.
• Receiving Ability: McCoy was not only effective as a runner but also as a receiver out of the backfield. His hands and route-running skills made him a valuable asset in the passing game.
• Durability: Throughout his college career, McCoy showed resilience and the ability to handle a heavy workload, often carrying the ball multiple times in games without significant injury concerns.

Weaknesses:

• Size: Standing at 5'11" and weighing around 200 pounds, some scouts questioned whether he had the ideal size to be an every-down back in the NFL.
• Pass Protection: While he had made improvements, there were concerns about his ability to handle blitzing linebackers and provide adequate pass protection for quarterbacks.

Conclusion:
LeSean McCoy was projected to be a second-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, with the potential to rise higher due to his versatile skill set and playmaking ability. Many analysts believed he could immediately contribute to an NFL team, both as a running back and as a receiver. The combination of his college production and athleticism made him one of the top running back prospects in that draft class.