We have barely broached the subject of how seriously the New York Giants should consider drafting a running back early in the 2011 NFL Draft. Right now, though, you would have to think that the Giants will bring in some new blood at running back, either via the draft or free agency.
Mikel LeShoure of Illinois is a player I have seen connected to the Giants in the first round of some early mock drafts.
Let's take a look at LeShoure. Here is a quick synopsis from Draft Tek, which currently has LeShoure pegged as the Giants' selection.
Mikel LeShoure checks in at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, and is an every down back. He ran for almost 1700 yds & 17 TDs this year for the Illini, averaged 6 yards per carry, and was the Texas Bowl MVP. He looks to be "Le Shoure Thing." We don't know how the health of Jacobs & Bradshaw will hold up, nor if their fumblitis will ever be cured, and the Giants have to be targeting a RB. With such a talent available at pick 19, Reese may just have to pull the trigger on this one. If not, NYG might go for one of the top O-linemen: Stefen Wisniewski or Nate Solder
SB Nation's Mocking The Draft calls him "the premier power/speed combo back" in the draft.
-- Full scouting report after the jump
Mikel LeShoure
RB, Illinois
Size: 6-foot-1, 230 pounds
Scouting Report
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Great size, very strong build... May be the best size/speed combination in this running back class... Does a great job holding the football close to his body... Very quick feet, reaches his top speed almost immediately which makes him a big play threat... Gets his first 15-20 yards in a hurry, tough to contain... Runs through tackles, does a great job getting through trash and running between the tackles... Keeps his legs moving at all times, very hard to slow down... Runs with low pad level, delivers hits rather than absorb them... Great vision, waits for his blockers... Soft hands, is growing to be a capable receiver out of the backfield... One of the few backs in this class that has the potential to be a true workhorse... This is his first season as a starter so he will come to the NFL without much tread on his tires... A complete running back, isn't flashy, but is the type of player who can carry the ball a ton, and contribute on passing downs.
Negatives: Really has only had one great season thus far ... Often tries to break the big play rather than settle for a short gain, is prone to some negative yardage plays.