2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mikel Leshoure
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Strengths:
Tough power back with thick build
Good vision
Patient runner
Elusive
Fights for extra yards
Hits second level with speed
Factor in passing game
Potential three-down back
Weaknesses: Only average speed
Inexperienced taking handoffs in traditional offense
Can improve receiving and blocking skills
Runs high at times opening himself up to big hits
Character red flags
Summary: Mikel Leshoure first has to answer for character concerns. A fight with a teammate in 2008 left him with a broken jaw. The next year, he was suspended for violating team rules.
Even if he put that behind him and produced a dominant season, those transgressions likely push him out of the first-round conversation. However, on the field he has great potential. Backs capable of playing on three downs are going extinct in the NFL. Leshoure has that type of ability with a little work. Also working in his favor is having only carried the ball 424 times at Illinois. It hurts him in the experience department, but he has plenty of tread left on his tires, so to speak.
Player Comparison: Cedric Benson. Clearly Benson was the more hyped prospect leading up to the 2005 NFL Draft and was selected fourth overall. However, the runners are of similar build and get by on power more than speed. Benson also was flagged for character leading up to the draft although obviously the Bears overlooked his transgressions. On the field, I think they are both tough runners with the hands to catch some passes.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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Weaknesses:
Summary: Mikel Leshoure first has to answer for character concerns. A fight with a teammate in 2008 left him with a broken jaw. The next year, he was suspended for violating team rules.
Even if he put that behind him and produced a dominant season, those transgressions likely push him out of the first-round conversation. However, on the field he has great potential. Backs capable of playing on three downs are going extinct in the NFL. Leshoure has that type of ability with a little work. Also working in his favor is having only carried the ball 424 times at Illinois. It hurts him in the experience department, but he has plenty of tread left on his tires, so to speak.
Player Comparison: Cedric Benson. Clearly Benson was the more hyped prospect leading up to the 2005 NFL Draft and was selected fourth overall. However, the runners are of similar build and get by on power more than speed. Benson also was flagged for character leading up to the draft although obviously the Bears overlooked his transgressions. On the field, I think they are both tough runners with the hands to catch some passes.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports