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Erik McCoy

Erik McCoy Player Profile

Summary

Erik McCoy was selected in Round 2 (#39 Overall) in the 2019 Draft out of Texas A&M University. McCoy is a technically sound, reliable center whose strengths include strength, consistency, football IQ, and mobility in zone schemes. His main areas for improvement relate to elite pass protection against quick interior rushers and maintaining lateral agility against highly athletic defensive tackles. Overall, McCoy is a key foundational piece of the Saints’ offensive line with strong potential for continued high-level performance.

Strengths

  • Anchor and interior strength: McCoy displays excellent strength and leverage at the point of attack, able to handle powerful defensive tackles in both run and pass situations.

  • High football IQ & communication: As a center, he directs the line, identifies fronts, and adjusts protections pre-snap. His ability to diagnose defensive schemes quickly is a standout trait.

  • Consistency & durability: McCoy has been a reliable starter since his rookie season, rarely missing games and showing steady performance

  • Technique & hand placement: Uses proper pad level, hand placement, and footwork, which allows him to generate push and maintain balance against aggressive interior defenders.

  • Mobility in zone schemes: Adept at reaching second-level linebackers on run plays, showing the agility to pull or climb to the second level when needed.

Weaknesses

  • Limited elite pass protection against speed rushers: While sturdy against power moves, McCoy can occasionally struggle with quick inside moves from elite interior pass rushers.

  • Pocket mobility under heavy pressure: In blitz-heavy situations, he can be slower to adjust or reset, impacting quarterback timing on quick-drop passes.

  • Strength vs elite interior bull rushers: Against top-tier defensive tackles with elite upper-body strength, McCoy can sometimes be pushed back, requiring assistance from guards or tight ends.

  • Development ceiling for lateral agility: While effective in zone schemes, he isn’t necessarily elite in lateral movement, which could be a concern in schemes requiring highly agile interior linemen for reach blocks or pulling on misdirection plays.

Fit & Outlook

Erik McCoy is a cornerstone center for the Saints’ offensive line, fitting best in systems that value a strong, technically sound anchor with high football intelligence. He excels in both zone and power running schemes and is a stabilizing force in pass protection. Looking forward, as long as he maintains health and continues refining his footwork against speed rushers, McCoy projects as a long-term starter and potential Pro Bowl-caliber center. His floor is a consistent, reliable starter; his ceiling includes recognition as one of the top interior linemen in the NFL, especially in balanced or zone-heavy schemes.