Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Elijah McGuire (Louisiana) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #188 by NYJ

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Elijah McGuire - 2017 NFL Draft

Player Profile: Elijah McGuire, Running Back, Louisiana

• Height: 5'11"
• Weight: 214 lbs
• College: University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Strengths:

• Versatile Skill Set: McGuire showcased the ability to be effective both as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield. His versatility made him a valuable asset in both rushing and passing plays.
• Quick Acceleration: He possesses excellent burst and acceleration, allowing him to break through the line of scrimmage and reach the second level quickly.
• Vision and Patience: McGuire demonstrates good field vision, often showing the ability to identify cutback lanes and make quick decisions while navigating through traffic.
• Pass-Blocking Ability: He has shown capability in pass protection, which is crucial for NFL running backs, enabling him to stay on the field during passing situations.

Weaknesses:

• Injury History: McGuire had some injury concerns during his college career, which could raise red flags regarding his durability at the professional level.
• Limited Elite Competition: Playing at Louisiana, he faced a lower level of competition compared to other top-tier running backs, which might affect the evaluation of his skills against NFL-caliber defenders.
• Size Concerns: While not undersized, his height and weight may limit his ability to take on a heavy workload in the NFL; teams may prefer larger backs for feature roles.

Overall Evaluation:

Elijah McGuire was projected as a mid-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, versatility, and receiving skills made him an appealing option for teams looking for a dynamic backup running back who could contribute in multiple facets of the game. However, concerns regarding his durability and level of competition faced in college could lead some NFL teams to hesitate.