2019 NFL Draft: Texas A&M’s Erik McCoy shooting up draft boards
By Shelbie Warr
Former Texas A&M football center Erik McCoy made himself quite a bit of money with a successful Combine performance. Where will go in the NFL Draft?
For a guy that hasn’t missed a beat since his redshirt freshman season, McCoy has more than earned an early exit from the college level and a push toward the NFL. After 38 starts, 36 of which came a center, there seem to be few doubters for him at this point in the game. No one is surprised that he has made this decision, but many are even less surprised after such a strong NFL Combine performance.
He finished at the top of the game in terms of 40-yard dash. He clocked a 4.89 which is faster than any of the other offensive lineman that were at the Combine and showed teams that he was ready to move to the next level. He did 29 reps on the bench press, which was good for the tie for sixth, hit a 31 inch vertical jump, good for seventh. His broad jump was middle of the road at 107 inches.
Overall though, the NFL Combine was a big plus for Erik McCoy for sure. What are his strengths and weaknesses heading into the draft?
Strengths
His technique and movement have him where he is now. His vision and strength are great and will serve him well in the NFL. He held up against both Dexter WIlliams’ power when playing Clemson and the athleticism of Alabama’s Quinnen Williams. Those are two extremely talented players that will go quickly in the Draft and for McCoy to have stood up to that well enough to give his team and more importantly his quarterback the chance to win and make the necessary plays to do so.
He has a strong rush anchor as NFL scouts would say that allows him to make the blocks when necessary. He also puts up a good effort to maintain the leverage needed to make those blocks.
Weaknesses
His biggest weakness seems to be his hand usage, but that is something that can be fixed with the right coaching. He plays with some forward lean and his lack of length could be a big time issue in the NFL for sure. He also has to learn patience, something that can be hard to learn for some people.
Next. NFL Draft: Projected first round after Combine. dark
Draft Expectations
Its been a while since the Aggies have had a first round offensive lineman, but Erik McCoy could very easily be that guy. His experience coupled with a strong NFL Combine have him in many team’s draft conversation and on their big boards. Look for him to make a team very happy, especially after an NFL offensive line coach gets ahold of him.