Cards hope McCoy is their diamond in the rough

By Krupka  |   Sunday, June 18, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Arizona Cardinals
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

Most seventh-round draft picks are hard-pressed to even make a team's roster. In the case of the Arizona Cardinals, 2005 seventh-rounder LeRon McCoy made the roster. Entering his second year in the league, the team is now beginning to hope they have found a diamond in the rough.

The former Indiana University (PA) receiver played in 10 games his rookie season, started four, and made a slight impact. He caught 18 balls for 191 yards good for 10.6 yards per reception, and a touchdown.

At 6-1, 205 pounds, McCoy has ideal size to go with good acceleration, and a knack for creating separation. He uses his frame well to position himself and makes great adjustments when the ball is in flight.

Prior to his selection, McCoy was touted as a player with a bad attitude based on a few previous incidents both on and off the field. The incident that is most notable occurred on the field in a 2003 game, when he punched an opposing defender in the face during the game.

If McCoy didn't have a bad reputation, he probably would have been selected a couple rounds earlier. Nobody has ever questioned his athletic ability, just his attitude. Fortunately for the Arizona Cardinals, he has put most of the talk to rest.

Instead of continuing to make bad decisions, McCoy has embraced his great opportunity and is doing everything in his power to capitalize on it. He has shown a tremendous work-ethic since breaking into the league. The results have already shown in his improved pass-catching and route-running skills.

Because of McCoy's determination and hunger to learn and improve, the team has grown extremely satisfied with him. So much so that there is hope that he could eventually challenge Bryant Johnson for the No. 3 receiver position.

An interesting tidbit about McCoy is that he is intrigued by the music industry and has recorded a rap CD.

Can McCoy have the Cardinals' coaching staff and front office singing his tune? Perhaps.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

Get more Arizona Cardinals insight at Realfootball365.com
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report