Commentary

2019 NFL Draft Profile: Texas A&M Center Erik McCoy

Erik McCoy is a smart and quick offensive lineman. Providing solid protection for Texas A&M for three seasons, center is his main position but can play guard too. McCoy led as a team captain, evidence of his success is leading the Aggies to three consecutive 2,000-yard rushing seasons. This makes him a perfect match for the Los Angeles Rams. Severing ties with Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan, McCoy could find a new home in Los Angeles.

College stats and honors:

  • 2018 Team Captain
  • Started in every game for three years (38) after redshirting his freshman year,
  • Earned Texas A&M’s top academic award in Spring of 2018.

Strengths:

After displaying a lack of quickness and agility at Texas A&M last season, McCoy impressed at the NFL Combine. Clocking in at 4.89 seconds, McCoy led offensive linemen with the fastest 40-yard dash. Showing off great techniques in the offensive line drills by squaring his shoulders and anchoring his hips is intriguing for an OL prospect. He also managed to put up 225 lbs. 29 time, putting his strength on display.

On the field with the Aggies last year, McCoy went up against some of the best of the best defensive linemen. Blocking guys like Dexter Lawrence of Clemson and Quinnenn Williams of Alabama. He fared well against them, not allowing a sack to the pair in their respective matchups. He can pull to the edge as the lead blocker for a running back and handles defenders with ease once in the second level. McCoy has a great center of gravity which helps him beat defenders. His greatest asset is his intelligence. Possesses a high football IQ and pairs it nicely with leadership skills.

Weaknesses:

McCoy’s arm length is an issue measuring in at 33” long. He struggled against defenders who have more length and power than him. When overpowered, he gets beat going too high and losing his center of gravity on these matchups. He struggled when in space and not engaging with a defender at the start of a play. His eyes are a bit slow when trying to find out where to help on the line. Though he can hold his own against top defensive linemen, he isn’t going to maul them or open huge holes. He did put up a good amount of reps on the bench press at the NFL Combine, but his power seems to lack on tape.

Expected Draft Round:

McCoy is seen as a solid day two draft pick, particularly in the second round. His efforts at the NFL Combine might move up on a few draft boards. Depending on team’s needs, he might get picked up late in the first round. He is expected to still be on the board at pick No. 31, and seems to be a perfect fit for the Rams. The only question is will he be the highest rated available player on the Rams board at that time. That is the only spot the Rams would have a chance to select him unless they trade into the second round.

Source: 12thman.com, NFL.com

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/erik-mccoy?id=32194d43-4360-1333-481d-eca6355623f4

You can follow Matt Herrera on Twitter @itsMATTinLA. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

Most Popular

To Top