February 12th, 2011 
Abe Munch 
Posted in 
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois, 6’1 230
Position Ranking: #2
Strengths: Ideal combination of size, quickness, and playing speed for the position. Shows very good foot quickness in space and in the small areas; shook and juked defenders with his footwork and bounce. A multiple cut runner that regularly made defenders miss at the second level; much better than other running backs with similar size. Quick to hit the line of scrimmage with burst and power as he releases out. Good vision and feels the second level defenders; knows when to head straight up or take it outside.
Very well balanced and smooth in and out of his cuts; sharply hits the cutback lane and transitions his weight and speed when bouncing plays outside. Gets to top speed quickly and separates from linebackers. Runs with good pad level and consistently falls forward. A reliable pass catcher when asked and can be dangerous out in the flat and on flares. Willing in pass protection with the size to take on linebackers. Showed he could handle a heavy workload.
Needs Improvement: Doesn’t always run big or drive the pile (shows the ability). Hops around in the backfield if a crease isn’t immediate instead of using size and strength to hit the line and create a crease. Runs with finesse unnecessarily and loses yardage. Has good speed but lacks the ability to consistently separate from secondary defenders and will be caught from behind on long runs. Isn’t always patient and doesn’t allow blocking to develop downfield.
Bottom Line: Mikel Leshoure is an exciting player. The more you watch of him the more you want to watch of him. He showed game to game consistency and by the end of the year defenders were on their heels and indecisive about how to attack him. When you consider that Leshoure is 230 pounds it becomes even more impressive how well he moves in space; reminds me of a young Fred Taylor.
Leshoure will need to develop a more physical mindset to his running in order for his playmaking skills to translate, as he won’t get away with his excessive studdering and pauses at the next level. His upside his higher than any other runner in this class and it wouldn’t surprise me if he was the first running back taken. He has the running strength, physical skills, and stamina to wear down defenses and break 20 yard runs late in the game. Leshoure’s speed isn’t elite but is plenty good and with downfield blocking he’s a threat to take it the distance. He looks the part and fits the mold of a workhorse NFL running back, and once he puts his entire game together, sky is the limit.
Bottom Line: 1st round.
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