A Look At: Darren McFadden-RB-Arkansas

Dan Kadar of NewEraScouting.com breaks down our #1 running back, Darren McFadden.

Darren McFadden
#5
Scout: Dan Kadar
Date: February 8, 2008
Eval Position(s): Birthdate: 08/27/1987
RB - Running Back
School: Arkansas
Height Weight
6’2 210
Best Fit Position/Role: Starting running back
Ideal Scheme/Role: Man-blocking scheme

General Traits
Character / Leadership Ability: Although he’s come a long way from a rough childhood atmosphere, there are questions about McFadden’s character. Had a paternity suit filed against him in January. Involved in a fight in July 2006 which led to a dislocated big toe and surgery.

Competitive Nature / Work Ethic: Shows heart and competitiveness. Regarded by players and teammates as having good work ethic. Has learned multiple positions to help his team.

Football Intelligence: Played running back, receiver and quarterback, excelling at each. Understands where running lanes will develop pre-snap. Shows good vision. Book smart.

Size: Good height and build. Solid throughout his frame. Looks the part. Has a frame that could add 10-15 pounds. Could be bigger in his thighs to become a better runner up the middle. Fairly large hands.

Athletic Ability: McFadden possesses rare athleticism for a running back of his size. Incredibly agile and is able to change direction quickly. Great acceleration. Able to make sharp cuts to fake opponents.

Toughness / Durability: McFadden has had a series of minor injuries but has played through them. Had a toe problem, but he seems to be fully recovered. Runs with heart, lowering his head to deliver a hit.

Specific Traits - Running Back
Ball Protection: Struggles at times to hold onto the ball. Fumbled 15 times his junior season, losing five. Fumbling problems are product of how high he holds the ball. This is a big problem that will need to be corrected.

Elusiveness / Feet: Nimble and quick working through trash. Uses his speed to be elusive, but is able to shake defenders in the open field. McFadden’s agility and speed allows him to chance going backward before accelerating up field.

Pass Catching: Shows solid hands, but he doesn’t always extend his arms away from his body. Sort of a lazy route runner. Needs to be more dynamic coming out of his cuts.
Pass Blocking: A willing blocker. Seems to be able to pick up blitzes well. Does a good job chipping. Usually keeps his shoulders square when he blocks. Good cut blocker.

Power: McFadden has a good amount of strength, but it’s mostly in his upper body. He’ll struggle running between the tackles. Needs to get stronger in his legs. Not a pile mover but he will lower his head to make a hit.

Speed: Outstanding speed which allows him to cut outside without missing a step. Has elite breakaway speed. Can turn on a second gear and burst away from most opponents. Possesses sudden quickness to get up to speed fast.

Vision: While McFadden may have played in a gimmick offense built to provide running lanes, he has excellent vision. Makes quick decisions but will get in trouble when he outruns his blockers. Knows when he can bounce outside.

Additional Comments: McFadden is as good of an athlete as you’ll find in the 2008 NFL Draft. At Arkansas he was stellar playing running back, wide receiver, quarterback and returning kicks. However, because he split time with Felix Jones, he’s not damaged goods coming into the league. Has been durable throughout his career. He has elite speed, vision and agility. However, McFadden isn’t the once-in-a-lifetime player some consider him to be. He has serious ball-control issues and his character needs solid evaluation. He’ll also have trouble at times working up the middle and will struggle to properly set up his blockers. Needs to get stronger in his lower body. All that aside, McFadden’s potential and athletic ability warrant an early first round selection.

Injury Concerns: Was concussed against Alabama as a junior. Played through the flu against Kentucky. Bruised his ribs against Chattanooga. As a sophomore, McFadden required toe surgery after dislocating his toe in a fight. Had to have a pin put into his foot because of it. Played in the Capital One Bowl as a sophomore with a left ankle and an Achilles tendon sprain.

Could Be As Good As: Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals
Worst Case: Kevin Jones, Detroit Lions
Where He’ll Probably Go: Top 5
Where He Should Go: Picks 4-10