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Bills Top 20 Talents in 2016: No. 7 - HB LeSean McCoy

Tom Szczerbowski

<p>ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 13: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills runs in for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)</p>

By: Joe Buscaglia

Posted at 6:03 PM, Jun 09, 2016

and last updated 2016-06-09 18:04:03-04

In under two months, the Buffalo Bills will get to work at St. John Fisher College for training camp and the 2016 season. And this year, with how the team ended things in 2015, is extremely important to not waste the talent that exists on the roster.

So, as offseason workouts continue at One Bills Drive, WKBW will preview the roster — and more specifically, the top talent that exists on the roster that can help the Bills to putting an end to the playoff drought. You’ll be introduced to the Bills’ ‘Top 20 Talents.’

It's a bit of a different 'most talented' list, because it also takes other factors into consideration. The countdown criteria:

- Overall skill level
- On-the-field performance
- Projection based on film study over the past several years
- Age, and improving/declining ability

With that written, on to the countdown:

No. 7 - HB LeSean McCoy

Age: 27 (7/12/88)

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 208

Last year’s rank: 5

Why he’s here

- One year into the Bills relationship with running back LeSean McCoy, the team received a few dazzling moments when he was healthy. However, the summer, and most of the first five weeks of his season were marred by a hamstring injury that never allowed him to get going. Once healthy, McCoy proved to be one of the top talents on the team, and showed the game-changing ability that he's been known for throughout his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, McCoy will be 28 when the year starts, so how much longer can his quick, change-of-direction style continue to be effective? That's why he lands outside of the Top 5 -- where he was last season.

2016 outlook

- As for the upcoming season, though, as long as he stays healthy McCoy should be an impact player for the Bills on the offensive side of the ball. This is still a run-oriented offense when things are going their way, and McCoy will be the centerpiece for that system. He showed both an ability on the ground and in the passing attack, which will continue -- all while the Bills have a competent second running back in Karlos Williams to take some pressure and carries off of him. As long as he stays healthy, the Bills should get a big season out of McCoy in 2016.

Top 20 Talents Countdown

7) HB LeSean McCoy

8) LG Richie Incognito

13) LB Reggie Ragland

14) C Eric Wood

15) WR Robert Woods

16) S Aaron Williams

17) HB Karlos Williams