Illinois junior running back Mikel LeShoure did about the only thing he could have after his breakout 2010 season: declare for the 2011 NFL Draft. He carried the team on his back to the tune of 1,697 rushing yards and 20 total touchdowns. 

With a little refinement as a pass blocker and as a receiver, LeShoure should be a three-down back in the NFL.

Strengths

• Powerful, tough runner - plays with controlled aggression
• Excellent burst and enough speed to turn the corner
• Workhorse size (6-foot-1, 230 pounds)
• Surprisingly nimble and balanced for his stature

• High boom, low bust quality

  Great vision and cutback ability
• Extremely productive in 2010
• Ball security - didn't fumble in 2010 (298 touches)
• Capable receiver and provides a size mismatch against cornerbacks
• Upside

Weaknesses

• Maturity concerns after a 2009 fight with a teammate that resulted in LeShoure's jaw being broken
• Willing but unpolished blocker
• Mediocre hands and poor route-running skills
• Occasionally runs too upright
• One-year wonder?
• Shows impatience at times - bounces plays outside prematurely
• Dietary and weight problems prior to 2010 season

Expected draft placement

LeShoure is a boom-or-bust pick to a degree, but his ceiling is far higher than the lows of his bust potential. He could creep into the late first round. The New England Patriots have a pair of first-round picks in the second half of the stanza, and LeShoure could be their man if they aren't completely sold on BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Pats also hold the first pick of the second round.

Don't be surprised if the Green Bay Packers consider him at No. 32. The Baltimore Ravens have a lot of needs, primarily on defense, but LeShoure could be taken with their No. 26 pick if Willis McGahee is indeed released and Le'Ron McClain doesn't return. Other teams of note include: Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions.

LeShoure seems to have corrected his attitude problems, and as long as he interviews well, there is no reason to believe he will fall out of the middle of the second round.