With the Draft fast approaching, it's time to start looking at some potential players for the Patriots. I'm going to put profiles of 2 players a day- one offense, one defensive- and gain a better understanding of the players in the draft.
USC's Anthony McCoy is a blocker first, receiver second. He's one of the best tight end blockers in the draft and is in the second tier of receiving tight ends. That makes his a perfect Patriot tight end. While he may not be a Jason Witten or Dallas Clark type receiver, he has the potential to learn from Alge Crumpler and could actually copy Crumpler's early career success. He may not have the stats to back up his receiving skills, but that is mostly due to USC having so many other offensive weapons to spread the ball to. McCoy is projected to be a 3rd or 4th round pick, which means the Patriots will most likely have to make a deal in order to select him. Is he worth it?
His measurements and some quotes after the jump.
Height: 6-5. Weight: 259.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Combine 40 Time: 4.79.
Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 35. Arm: 34.
02/24/2010 - 2010 NFL DRAFT SCOUT PRE-COMBINE TOP 64: 55. Anthony McCoy ??? TE, Southern California, 6-5, 249, 2: Despite the lack of explosiveness, McCoy manages to be a reliable receiver who excels at making the tough catch in traffic. His career numbers show 46 catches for 731 yards and one touchdown. But he is more of an old school tight end with a blue-collar work ethic and toughness that shows up both as a blocker. - Frank Cooney, USA TODAY/NFL Draft Scout
12/21/2009 - Southern California has ruled three players academically ineligible for the Emerald Bowl against Boston College. USC announced Monday that tight end Anthony McCoy and tackle Tyron Smith, both starters, and defensive end Averell Spicer, a key reserve, will not play Dec. 26 in San Francisco. McCoy and Spicer are seniors. Smith is a sophomore. The rulings come three days after USC said it was investigating whether tailback Joe McKnight used an SUV registered to a Los Angeles businessman. The Trojans (8-4) are coming off their worst season since 2001. USC had won seven consecutive Pac-10 championships and played in seven consecutive BCS games before this season. - AP Sports
McCoy is a good looking tight end that does not quite play up to his numbers. He presents an excellent target and will go across the middle and catch the ball in traffic but lacks the explosive first step out of his breaks to separate from defenders on a consistent basis. He rarely beats the offensive line off the ball and looks almost casual on his release, which could end up being an issue at the next level. McCoy is not an easy take-down once the ball is in his hands, but is also not the most elusive runner in the open field.
Strengths
Final word: The ceiling might not be high for McCoy, but he projects as a very good No. 2 tight end. Don't let his stats deter you. He was slowed during the second part of his senior season by an ankle injury and academic issues.
Verdict: McCoy has a red flag with his academic ineligibility for this past season's bowl game. However, McCoy seems like the ideal player to fit into the Patriots offensive scheme- a solid blocker who can catch when needed. If McCoy is around in the 4th round, I like him as a pick more than BYU's Dennis Pitta. If the Patriots don't have an issue with his academics, McCoy is NFL ready and could contribute immediately. Great potential pick.