Illinois RB Mikel LeShoure going pro (1 Viewer)

[Cecil Lammey]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d9...s-for-nfl-draft

LeShoure is a unique combination of size and big play ability. He is strong enough to power run between the tackles, but can rack up big yards once in the open field. LeShoure is the type of runner who gets stronger as the game goes on and demands the ball in crunch time.

Good receiver out of the backfield, so agile in the open field. Can change direction without losing much speed.

Reminds me of watching Michael Turner at Northern Illinois.

 

[DansRams]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d9...s-for-nfl-draft

LeShoure is a unique combination of size and big play ability. He is strong enough to power run between the tackles, but can rack up big yards once in the open field. LeShoure is the type of runner who gets stronger as the game goes on and demands the ball in crunch time.

Good receiver out of the backfield, so agile in the open field. Can change direction without losing much speed.

Reminds me of watching Michael Turner at Northern Illinois.

Cecil, one thing we discussed in another thread was the talent level of this years RB's versus last years. I won't go into all of that, but how do you feel Leshoure compares to Mathews?

 

[Whoosah]

My 2 cents on this is that he's better than Mendenhall, the latest RB product from Illinois. Mendenhall is a stud and runs well, back in college and on Pittsburgh.

Leshoure was able to break records during his time with the Illini and I see him being a better back than Mendy, and this is not a knock on Mendenhall since he is a good 3 down back.

 

[Steed]

Good read on him. Story says most GMs view him as a 3rd possible 2nd rounder.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/colle...,4380490.column

 

[harryhood]

Good read on him. Story says most GMs view him as a 3rd possible 2nd rounder.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/colle...,4380490.column

Would love the Giants to trade in Bradshaw or Jacobs for this guy. At a 2nd round price tag that would be A OK with me!

 

[munchkin]

Good read on him. Story says most GMs view him as a 3rd possible 2nd rounder.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/colle...,4380490.column

Would love the Giants to trade in Bradshaw or Jacobs for this guy. At a 2nd round price tag that would be A OK with me!

Not if the Pats beat ya to him at 33

Great Moniker; did you catch any of the MSG Holiday Run?

 

[fightingillini]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d9...s-for-nfl-draft

LeShoure is a unique combination of size and big play ability. He is strong enough to power run between the tackles, but can rack up big yards once in the open field. LeShoure is the type of runner who gets stronger as the game goes on and demands the ball in crunch time.

Good receiver out of the backfield, so agile in the open field. Can change direction without losing much speed.

Reminds me of watching Michael Turner at Northern Illinois.

As an Illinois homer, I echo Cecil's comments here. He may be better than Mendenhall. He's able to handle the full load......he carried the ball 281 times in 13 games. And he doesn't have a lot of wear on him.....this was the first year where he was the unquestioned starter. He's a good receiver despite only catching 17 passes this year......Illnois ran the ball 2/3 of the time. No reason to believe he can't catch 30-40 passes in the NFL.

Leshoure's rushing stats are very similar to Mendenhall's.

 

[NorrisB]

Cecil over Ingram?

 

[Blackjacks]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d9...s-for-nfl-draft

LeShoure is a unique combination of size and big play ability. He is strong enough to power run between the tackles, but can rack up big yards once in the open field. LeShoure is the type of runner who gets stronger as the game goes on and demands the ball in crunch time.

Good receiver out of the backfield, so agile in the open field. Can change direction without losing much speed.

Reminds me of watching Michael Turner at Northern Illinois.

As an Illinois homer, I echo Cecil's comments here. He may be better than Mendenhall. He's able to handle the full load......he carried the ball 281 times in 13 games. And he doesn't have a lot of wear on him.....this was the first year where he was the unquestioned starter. He's a good receiver despite only catching 17 passes this year......Illnois ran the ball 2/3 of the time. No reason to believe he can't catch 30-40 passes in the NFL.

Leshoure's rushing stats are very similar to Mendenhall's.

I as well have been saying this in the Shark Pool for the last couple of months. Leshoure is more made for the pro game.

Someone will be very happy in the 2nd round

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Cecil over Ingram?

Yes. I like the power to his game that Ingram doesn't match. Yes, Ingram is very capable between the tackles but he doesn't truck defenders like LeShoure does.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d9...s-for-nfl-draft

LeShoure is a unique combination of size and big play ability. He is strong enough to power run between the tackles, but can rack up big yards once in the open field. LeShoure is the type of runner who gets stronger as the game goes on and demands the ball in crunch time.

Good receiver out of the backfield, so agile in the open field. Can change direction without losing much speed.

Reminds me of watching Michael Turner at Northern Illinois.

Cecil, one thing we discussed in another thread was the talent level of this years RB's versus last years. I won't go into all of that, but how do you feel Leshoure compares to Mathews?

Better than Mathews. Doesn't lose a beat when changing direction, has moves on top of moves. Mathews at Fresno was a momentum runner. When he had to cut it would cost him too much speed/momentum, thus he wasn't as effective as he could have been.

LeShoure can bowl over you, one cut by you, or simply beat you to the spot. He's not super fast, but he's deceptively fast. Watching his gait it doesn't look like he's running that hard, but he's flying by guys.

Better receiver out of the backfield than Michael Turner. Not quite as natural a receiver as Steven Jackson, but good hands and knows what to do with it in the open field.

 

[Johnny Rock]

How about pass protection? Anybody see anything in that regard?

 

[JoeSteeler]

 

[mozzy84]

 

[Rodeojones]

 

[domvin]

How about pass protection? Anybody see anything in that regard?

The only game I have seen him is vs Fresno St.He did miss a blitz pickup, although, it may have been more bc of play design that he missed the blitz pickup.Here is what I observed:-Runs with a great body lean/Good Power, to take a hit and fall forward-Next play, runs with Power, and takes 3 guys to knock him back-Picks up feet quickly, to avoid trash in the backfield** (Was an awesome move just to get past LOS))-Very Sudden-Hits hole and gets through it to gain +yardage-Has nice vision, to find slight crease and get through it-Hit in backfield, and has uncanny ability to get hit and fall forward. Defenders do not get a clean shot on him-ABANDONED Pass play: Willing blocker downfield to get QB + yardage-On contact, keeps legs churning-35 yd TD Run: Initital stutter step, shows patience inside, for play to develop. Cuts to get outside an outrace two defenders-Gets out of backfield and runs nice routes-Nice change of direction, breaks through arm tackles-Unbelievable stop/start to cut back in, and outside on a sweep(50 yard gain)-EFFORTLESSLY gets outside(shows willingness/patience to run inside/bounce outside to get around edge quicklyHas to be noted, the field in this ballgame was a mess(numerous slips, and traction problems) He may be even faster on a better surfaceHe also did not catch a single pass-nothing thrown his way

 

[Bojang0301]

This guy will be a bust. :(

 

[emge]

As a Chicago native and an Illini fan, I have seen LeShoure several times. Some of you might remember that game at Wrigley earlier this year, he ran for over 300 yards in that game. I would be surprised if he doesn't go in the first 2 rounds. He's fast, strong and can break tackles. I love this guy! Best RB prospect I've seen at Illinois! Yes even better than Mendenhall

 

[2323]

Doesn't lose a beat when changing direction, has moves on top of moves

cecil, im not seeing it. i pulled up a bunch of youtube video and he very rarely changes direction. no lateral movement at all to make a defender miss. he is a straight ahead north/south runner with pretty good speed. do you have a link to video that shows him changing direction and his moves on top of moves cuz i cant find them.

 

[emge]

Doesn't lose a beat when changing direction, has moves on top of movescecil, im not seeing it. i pulled up a bunch of youtube video and he very rarely changes direction. no lateral movement at all to make a defender miss. he is a straight ahead north/south runner with pretty good speed. do you have a link to video that shows him changing direction and his moves on top of moves cuz i cant find them.

you can't expect to find every run of a guy in youtube, can you? I've seen the guy play week after week...

 

[Time Kibitzer]

I like him a lot and think he's generally underrated on this board, and I think he's the clear #2 back this year (I think Ingram is the safer selection). I'd be very surprised if he lasted to the 3rd round, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a team (like the Patriots) take him at the end of the 1st.

 

[2323]

Doesn't lose a beat when changing direction, has moves on top of movescecil, im not seeing it. i pulled up a bunch of youtube video and he very rarely changes direction. no lateral movement at all to make a defender miss. he is a straight ahead north/south runner with pretty good speed. do you have a link to video that shows him changing direction and his moves on top of moves cuz i cant find them.

you can't expect to find every run of a guy in youtube, can you? I've seen the guy play week after week...

agreed. but you would think that if he does posess these type of skills that you would see a couple of runs here or there...im not kidding everything is straight ahead through a huge hole and uses his speed to beat the rest of def. he does do a good job of getting his pads lower than any linebacker meeting him in the hole but i wonder how much punishment he can deal out against nfl backers and not wear down.i would love your opinion on this...more than just ive seen him week after week?

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Watched 3 games of him today - Michigan State, Fresno State, and Baylor...sooooo excited to see him at the next level.

2323 - I despise Youtube scouting because it doesn't show the good and the bad. I'll see if I can find some examples of his lateral agility on Youtube. Moves on top of moves because when he breaks into the open he knows what to do. Also, he does a good job of setting up defenders at the second level even before he crosses the line of scrimmage...it's what all the great ones do.

Yes, he is better than Mendenhall.

Pass blocking is average right now. Needs to learn better technique. he's big enough to stone a defender, or at least get in their way. Proper coaching should be able to improve his leverage.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

First Youtube clip I found...

:30 - pitch to defensive left, stutter step, changes direction then turns on the speed

1:05 - screen pass to defensive left, very sublte juke, then off to the endzone

1:40 - great carry with two juke moves before he's 5 yards into the run, breaks to defensive right for a big gain

1:55 - defender all over him at the handoff, lateral agility to make him miss, big gain up the middle 20 yards plus

okay, two minutes into this video and several examples of his lateral agility....he's not LeSean McCoy phone booth agile, but for a big man he can sure move.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

BTW, I hate Youtube scouting for many reasons, but the main reason is I can't see how he performs in the flow of the game. Everybody can put together a highlight package, but how does he run after a big gain?... after four carries in a row?... after getting stuffed behind the line on the previous play?

You can only see that with game film (or tape from the TV)

 

[duaneok66]

I have not seen a second of this guy but I am looking for some objective analysis . . .

If this guy is supposedly better than Matthews and Mendenhall, then why isn't he a first round lock???

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Scouting report from our good friends over at NFL Draft Scout/CBS Sports

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1619958

I'm going to Orlando for the Shrine Game on Sunday, and staying with Chad Reuter from NFL Draft Scout...I'm sure we'll have a discussion about LeShoure.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

I have not seen a second of this guy but I am looking for some objective analysis . . .If this guy is supposedly better than Matthews and Mendenhall, then why isn't he a first round lock???

Got in a fight with a teammate in 2008, team violation caused a one game suspension in 2009. By all accounts he's matured but those incidents are enough to ding his draft stock. Trust me, he's the best back in this class.

 

[duaneok66]

I have not seen a second of this guy but I am looking for some objective analysis . . .If this guy is supposedly better than Matthews and Mendenhall, then why isn't he a first round lock???

Got in a fight with a teammate in 2008, team violation caused a one game suspension in 2009. By all accounts he's matured but those incidents are enough to ding his draft stock. Trust me, he's the best back in this class.

sounds like a situation similar to Mike Williams (TB) - why do you think he's more talented than Ingram??

 

[I was in the pool]

Depending on landing spots (of course), do you think he's good enough to take in the top 2 or 3 of dynasty rookie drafts this year, Cecil? Meaning take him over Ingram or Green potentially?

 

[Steed]

I have not seen a second of this guy but I am looking for some objective analysis . . .If this guy is supposedly better than Matthews and Mendenhall, then why isn't he a first round lock???

Got in a fight with a teammate in 2008, team violation caused a one game suspension in 2009. By all accounts he's matured but those incidents are enough to ding his draft stock. Trust me, he's the best back in this class.

sounds like a situation similar to Mike Williams (TB) - why do you think he's more talented than Ingram??

The link I posted above reveals that he was literally born while his mother was in prison and his father did a bid too, I could see that being held against him.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

I have not seen a second of this guy but I am looking for some objective analysis . . .If this guy is supposedly better than Matthews and Mendenhall, then why isn't he a first round lock???

Got in a fight with a teammate in 2008, team violation caused a one game suspension in 2009. By all accounts he's matured but those incidents are enough to ding his draft stock. Trust me, he's the best back in this class.

sounds like a situation similar to Mike Williams (TB) - why do you think he's more talented than Ingram??

Ingram is a top back, no doubt....however, I like LeShoure more because of his power. Ingram is very capable running downhill between the tackles, but doesn't have the same 'pop' that Mikel does. Plus, Mikel doesn't wear down...he only gets stronger as the game goes on.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Depending on landing spots (of course), do you think he's good enough to take in the top 2 or 3 of dynasty rookie drafts this year, Cecil? Meaning take him over Ingram or Green potentially?

Never over Green (he's the best skill position player in this entire draft...and it's not close IMHO)Over Ingram in Non-PPR dynasty leagues, PPR league I would give the edge to Ingram because he's a better receiver.

 

[BeTheMatch]

 

[Eminence]

I'm crossing my fingers he's there in my rookie draft at 1.5.

 

[faulkfan]

One concern I have is that I watched a lot of the Illini games this year and he did seem to get nicked up a lot and pull himself out for a few plays or series. Even in the Wrigley game he pulled himself when he got hurt (pulled hammy I think).

I think he has more than enough talent to succeed in the NFL and as an Illini fan I hope he goes crazy when he gets there, but I do worry about his durability a little...not enough to pass on him if he is sitting there when I pick midway through the 1st round of my 12 team, 10 player keeper league draft though.

 

[Bojang0301]

I have not seen a second of this guy but I am looking for some objective analysis . . .If this guy is supposedly better than Matthews and Mendenhall, then why isn't he a first round lock???

Got in a fight with a teammate in 2008, team violation caused a one game suspension in 2009. By all accounts he's matured but those incidents are enough to ding his draft stock. Trust me, he's the best back in this class.

sounds like a situation similar to Mike Williams (TB) - why do you think he's more talented than Ingram??

The link I posted above reveals that he was literally born while his mother was in prison and his father did a bid too, I could see that being held against him.

This will be forgotten about until Jeff Ireland decides to bring it up at the combine.

 

[2323]

First Youtube clip I found...

after watching this video a few times i agree...with the comment of moves on top of moves i think i was expecting i little more (barry sanders type moves), but he does have good stop and go in the other direction talent.

also looks like he has good hands out of the backfield,,,but like you said, you tube will only show the good ones.

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

First Youtube clip I found...

You were expecting Barry Sanders moves out of a 230lb RB?

 

[oukurt]

Worst class of RBs in some time.

Ingram

Leshoure

Ryan Williams

Dan Thomas

D Murray

K Hunter

Quizz Rodgers

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Doesn't lose a beat when changing direction, has moves on top of movescecil, im not seeing it. i pulled up a bunch of youtube video and he very rarely changes direction. no lateral movement at all to make a defender miss. he is a straight ahead north/south runner with pretty good speed. do you have a link to video that shows him changing direction and his moves on top of moves cuz i cant find them.

The problem with Youtube highlights is they tend to shwo the big runs and unfortunately those usually involved big holes and open space. It's a nice way to get some idea as to skill level but doesn't paint the whole picture.

 

[shader]

Worst class of RBs in some time. IngramLeshoureRyan WilliamsDan ThomasD MurrayK HunterQuizz Rodgers

Last year was far worse. Ingram and Leshoure will blow out the 2010 RB class all by themselves. Then add all the inevitable late bloomers and risers, and this class will far exceed 2010.

 

[JohnnyU]

Doesn't lose a beat when changing direction, has moves on top of movescecil, im not seeing it. i pulled up a bunch of youtube video and he very rarely changes direction. no lateral movement at all to make a defender miss. he is a straight ahead north/south runner with pretty good speed. do you have a link to video that shows him changing direction and his moves on top of moves cuz i cant find them.

The problem with Youtube highlights is they tend to shwo the big runs and unfortunately those usually involved big holes and open space. It's a nice way to get some idea as to skill level but doesn't paint the whole picture.

Don't tell that to EBF, he will have a cow.

 

[cobalt_27]

First Youtube clip I found...

Cecil, one of the things that stands out for me that gives me pause is...he kinda seems to go down easy for a big fella. Other than one or two highlights, I see him going down a lot on first contact. I don't see a lot of balance, drive, footwork, or other things going (e.g., stiff-arm) to break through a tackle and make it to the next level.I agree, there is some subtle shiftiness and some speed that are pluses. But, in your review of his workload, do you have any concerns about this?

 

[eakfootball]

Good read on him. Story says most GMs view him as a 3rd possible 2nd rounder.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/colle...,4380490.column

Would love the Giants to trade in Bradshaw or Jacobs for this guy. At a 2nd round price tag that would be A OK with me!

Not if the Pats beat ya to him at 33

Great Moniker; did you catch any of the MSG Holiday Run?

I would love this guy in NE.

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

BTW, I hate Youtube scouting for many reasons, but the main reason is I can't see how he performs in the flow of the game. Everybody can put together a highlight package, but how does he run after a big gain?... after four carries in a row?... after getting stuffed behind the line on the previous play?You can only see that with game film (or tape from the TV)

Cecil... for those of us who would LOVE to watch more game film or watch more scouting tape do you have any resources that we could use to do so?I'm always looking but I don't know where to find it!!

 

[Tick]

I always like to hear your take on the college RBs, Cecil. We'll see how it shakes out - Dwyer was your #1 back at this point last year, but he fell to 5th on your list by the end of February, probably falling to around the 7-9 range among RBs for you by draft time.

I love the details on what you see in him - it's always great to read your take instead of just seeing a rating or ranking on a guy.

 

[twr]

this guy is no where near as talented as mendy.

i agree with the late 2nd-3rd round grade.

 

[saintfool]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d9...s-for-nfl-draft

LeShoure is a unique combination of size and big play ability. He is strong enough to power run between the tackles, but can rack up big yards once in the open field. LeShoure is the type of runner who gets stronger as the game goes on and demands the ball in crunch time.

Good receiver out of the backfield, so agile in the open field. Can change direction without losing much speed.

Reminds me of watching Michael Turner at Northern Illinois.

watching clips on youtybe and i would have to agree.

 

[lynx4ben]

I always like to hear your take on the college RBs, Cecil. We'll see how it shakes out - Dwyer was your #1 back at this point last year, but he fell to 5th on your list by the end of February, probably falling to around the 7-9 range among RBs for you by draft time.I love the details on what you see in him - it's always great to read your take instead of just seeing a rating or ranking on a guy.

This is a good point and why I love fantasy football. It is interesting to see how rankings change over time as we learn more and more about players. There is nothing wrong with missing on players and there is nothing wrong with adjusting values when more research is done.Learning from mistakes is what will make projections all the more accurate. Thus, this is why I like to hear peoples opinions early. I like to see how values and perception changes. On the other hand, I can't stand bold predictions with the sole goal of bumping a thread three months later to pat yourself on the back. There are people who do this for that reason. Obviously this isn't one of those posts and it's obvious because the poster clearly is putting in the research and posting reasons why.Taken it easy for all us sinners.