In the final 20 days before the start of the regular season, we are counting down the top 20 players in the NFC East. For a full explanation, see this post.

No. 3 -- LeSean McCoy, Eagles RB

Amid the quarterbacks and pass-rushers who dominate the top part of our list we find a running back -- the best in the division and one who may be on the verge of becoming the best in the entire league. After rushing for 1,080 yards in 2010 in his second year in the league, McCoy rushed for 1,309 in the 15 games he played in 2011 to rank fourth in the NFL. He also ran for 17 touchdowns and caught three more in 2011, establishing himself as the top scoring threat on the Eagles' high-powered offense.

McCoy has shown an ability to be a workhorse back, a goal-line back and a receiving back. His 78 catches led the Eagles in 2010, and while his total dropped to a more reasonable 48 in 2011, he's obviously a help to the passing game as well as the run game. His speed and vision make him a dangerous threat when he gets the ball in his hands and has space in which to operate. He's the complete package in an era that is seeing the running back position become more specialized. It says a lot that the only criticism Eagles fans have of McCoy is that the team needs to give him the ball more often.

McCoy is poised for even greater things. He just turned 24 years old in July, making him one of the youngest stars on this list. He was already one of its brightest.

Rankings so far:

4. Trent Cole, DE, Eagles
5. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Giants
6. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants
7. Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys
8. Justin Tuck, DE, Giants
9. Jason Babin, DE, Eagles
10. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants
11. London Fletcher, LB, Redskins
12. Michael Vick, QB, Eagles
13. Tyron Smith, T, Cowboys
14. Brian Orakpo, LB, Redskins
15. Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys
16. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys
17. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles
18. Osi Umenyiora, DE, Giants
19. Evan Mathis, G, Eagles
20. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants