Player Spotlight; Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden was the one player that everyone knew was a no-brainer when it came to declaring early and making himself draft eligible. With a rare combination of size, speed, power and agility McFadden is not only the top back in this draft but perhaps the best overall prospect on
the board.

*Darren McFadden Running Back Arkansas*
Junior 6-2 210

*Strengths:* Combination of speed and balance
*Weaknesses*: Blocking

*Statline:* Had at least 1,100 yards rushing in all three years at Arkansas and his totals went up every year. Finished with 4,791 yards and 41 touchdowns on the ground in three seasons.

*Technique:* I have never seen a running back with the size and power of McFadden that can run with such balance and change directions like he can in the open field.

*Known Injuries:* Ankle injuries slowed him early in his career and a dislocated toe plagued him as a junior but he has yet to suffer a major injury that has kept him out of action for an extended period of time.

*Combine / Workout Assessment*: Coming Soon.

*DJ Boyer's Analysis:* I have been scouting since 1999 and doing it on a full time basis since 2000 and Darren McFadden is going into the draft carrying the highest grade I have ever given a running back. Right now he is the top prospect on the board and is without a doubt going to be a top five selection in April. What makes him so dangerous is he has the size to run inside and the speed to run outside. He can change directions and quickly accelerate through the hole with little wasted motion. Hard runner who gets by actually breaking tackles or refusing to go down vice juking defenders and making them miss. An average receiver who shows the ability to make big plays in the open field. McFadden is special in that he will not try to constantly go for the home run, he will take the six and seven yards gains if they present themself. Looks as is he actually sets up defenders for big runs. Will need to improve his pass blocking skills but he isn’t entirely deficient in this area. Has shown that he can carry the bulk of the load and be a workhorse even though he spent many games splitting carries with the very talented Felix Jones. McFadden will more than likely be the object of many teams
trying to trade up and grab him near the top of the draft board.