Call me crazy (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

I know it's a minority opinion, but I would be much happier to have Rashard Mendenhall than Darren McFadden.

Putting aside all the chatter about McFadden's character issues, the dude fumbles...a LOT. 23 fumbles? UGH. Mendenhall has a prototypical build, is tough, loves getting yards after contact, has a 2nd gear (admittedly not like McFadden's) and holds onto the ball.

I have the 1st pick in an upcoming Dynasty draft and, presuming both are in position to have similar playing time in the next few years, I'm taking Mendenhall over McFadden.

 

[duaneok66]

I know it's a minority opinion, but I would be much happier to have Rashard Mendenhall than Darren McFadden. Putting aside all the chatter about McFadden's character issues, the dude fumbles...a LOT. 23 fumbles? UGH. Mendenhall has a prototypical build, is tough, loves getting yards after contact, has a 2nd gear (admittedly not like McFadden's) and holds onto the ball.I have the 1st pick in an upcoming Dynasty draft and, presuming both are in position to have similar playing time in the next few years, I'm taking Mendenhall over McFadden.

I concur . . .

 

[NoFBinLA]

I know it's a minority opinion, but I would be much happier to have Rashard Mendenhall than Darren McFadden. Putting aside all the chatter about McFadden's character issues, the dude fumbles...a LOT. 23 fumbles? UGH. Mendenhall has a prototypical build, is tough, loves getting yards after contact, has a 2nd gear (admittedly not like McFadden's) and holds onto the ball.I have the 1st pick in an upcoming Dynasty draft and, presuming both are in position to have similar playing time in the next few years, I'm taking Mendenhall over McFadden.

How do you feel about the single year of full time? Plus or minus?Fumbles are a problem.

 

[twitch]

Were you just watching NFL Network? That was a nice piece.

 

[Jason Wood]

Were you just watching NFL Network? That was a nice piece.

I was watching...and they basically were echoing my feelings over the last few weeks. It was the impetus for my post. Honestly, how do people not talk about McFadden's fumbles? I mean, it's not like it was a fluky year, the dude has been a turnover machine each of his seasons. UGH.

 

[twitch]

Were you just watching NFL Network? That was a nice piece.

I was watching...and they basically were echoing my feelings over the last few weeks. It was the impetus for my post. Honestly, how do people not talk about McFadden's fumbles? I mean, it's not like it was a fluky year, the dude has been a turnover machine each of his seasons. UGH.

Its a great point, the fumbles. Really almost legendary. But its something that can be corrected. Its still a flaw, but not fatal. But Mendenhall just looks like a stud in every way. Could be a rare feature back. Depends on where he goes. But if I were in your dynasty position, I wouldnt overthink it. Id be all over McFadden. He's no Reggie Bush.

 

[Raider Nation]

I'm not prepared to go out on that limb with you, Woodrow, but his build is impressive. He's a rock.

Reminds me of Terrell Davis.

He'll be ridiculously studly if he's the starting RB in Motown, with defenses having to pay attention to Roy and Calvin.

EDIT: I just looked it up out of curiosity... Mendenhall and TD (in his playing days) are the exact same size -- 5'11", 210.

 

[renesauz]

I know it's a minority opinion, but I would be much happier to have Rashard Mendenhall than Darren McFadden. Putting aside all the chatter about McFadden's character issues, the dude fumbles...a LOT. 23 fumbles? UGH. Mendenhall has a prototypical build, is tough, loves getting yards after contact, has a 2nd gear (admittedly not like McFadden's) and holds onto the ball.I have the 1st pick in an upcoming Dynasty draft and, presuming both are in position to have similar playing time in the next few years, I'm taking Mendenhall over McFadden.

It may be a minority opinion, but it isn't an uncommon one. McFadden just screams bust to me. I could be wrong (andprobably am), but I like Mendenhall too.

 

[Raider Nation]

McFadden just screams bust to me.

Well now we KNOW who Oakland will take. As long as McFadden has a career as good as Leeland McElroy or Trung Canidate, I'll be happy.

 

[Smizzy]

I agree 100%

 

[faulkfan]

Let me fist say that I am an Illini fan and therefore painfully biased.

I think they both look like great prospects, but what I fear with McFadden is that he looks so long. He makes me think of Chris Brown (obviously more talented) with how long he is and makes me worry about injuries. I do think the fumbling can be corrected, but injuries are a concern to me.

 

[Jason Wood]

Let me fist say that I am an Illini fan and therefore painfully biased.I think they both look like great prospects, but what I fear with McFadden is that he looks so long. He makes me think of Chris Brown (obviously more talented) with how long he is and makes me worry about injuries. I do think the fumbling can be corrected, but injuries are a concern to me.

For any hardcore draftniks...have there been examples of RBs that fumble as much as McFadden and don't struggle with turnovers at the next level? I'm sure there are, but I wouldn't know where to begin to look.

 

[Wildman]

You may be in the minority, as biased as I can say it, you are in the smart minority. We haven't haf a Blair Thomas like bust at RB for a while. I'd be more inclined DMac will be a bust than a stud.

 

[twitch]

Oh, my god. If Mendenhall goes to Detroit, Id never personally touch him. Not a chance. McFadden to Oakland could be nice because Russell will have the arm to stretch the field better than any other QB in the league. And with a homerun threat like McFadden in the backfield with him, it could be a beautiful thing to watch. Im very much a realist. Mendenhall in Detroit. No thank you. McFadden in Oakland with Russell and that cannon. Sign me up! Oakland fans are gonna have a ton of fun watching those 2 young fellas for the next several years if that's DMac's destination.

 

[RaiderBones]

I know it's a minority opinion, but I would be much happier to have Rashard Mendenhall than Darren McFadden. Putting aside all the chatter about McFadden's character issues, the dude fumbles...a LOT. 23 fumbles? UGH. Mendenhall has a prototypical build, is tough, loves getting yards after contact, has a 2nd gear (admittedly not like McFadden's) and holds onto the ball.I have the 1st pick in an upcoming Dynasty draft and, presuming both are in position to have similar playing time in the next few years, I'm taking Mendenhall over McFadden.

Your not the only one Jason, I to am higher on Mendenhall. I have the third pick in an upcoming rookie draft and I am hoping and praying that he falls to me there.

 

[Raider Nation]

Let me fist say that I am an Illini fan and therefore painfully biased.I think they both look like great prospects, but what I fear with McFadden is that he looks so long. He makes me think of Chris Brown (obviously more talented) with how long he is and makes me worry about injuries. I do think the fumbling can be corrected, but injuries are a concern to me.

For any hardcore draftniks...have there been examples of RBs that fumble as much as McFadden and don't struggle with turnovers at the next level? I'm sure there are, but I wouldn't know where to begin to look.

Curtis Martin comes to mind.

 

[Raider Nation]

Oh, my god. If Mendenhall goes to Detroit, Id never personally touch him. Not a chance.

Fast track with lethal weapons outside... tough inside-running tailback... you couldn't ask for a much better landing spot for RM.Not to mention it'll take him one morning session in the first practice to beat out Bell.

 

[ADP]

I think Stewart will end up better than both of these guys. But I still prefer McFadden to Mendenhal.

 

[EBF]

I like Stewart and Mendenhall more than DMC. DMC has explosive speed and acceleration, but I think the other two much more closely resemble the average successful NFL RB. As I've said before, I really think it's going to be interesting to watch McFadden's career unfold. The pundits would have you believe he's the second coming of Peterson, but I just don't see it.

 

[twitch]

Let me fist say that I am an Illini fan and therefore painfully biased.I think they both look like great prospects, but what I fear with McFadden is that he looks so long. He makes me think of Chris Brown (obviously more talented) with how long he is and makes me worry about injuries. I do think the fumbling can be corrected, but injuries are a concern to me.

For any hardcore draftniks...have there been examples of RBs that fumble as much as McFadden and don't struggle with turnovers at the next level? I'm sure there are, but I wouldn't know where to begin to look.

Marshall Faulk is a decent example. His first 2 years in the league with the Colts, he had 12 fumbles, 8 of which were lost. His MVP year in 2000, zero fumbles, zero lost during a 26TD campaign. As a sidebar, listening to Faulk, he personally loves McFadden. Sees the greatness. FWIW.

 

[Jason Wood]

Let me fist say that I am an Illini fan and therefore painfully biased.I think they both look like great prospects, but what I fear with McFadden is that he looks so long. He makes me think of Chris Brown (obviously more talented) with how long he is and makes me worry about injuries. I do think the fumbling can be corrected, but injuries are a concern to me.

For any hardcore draftniks...have there been examples of RBs that fumble as much as McFadden and don't struggle with turnovers at the next level? I'm sure there are, but I wouldn't know where to begin to look.

Curtis Martin comes to mind.

Really? How many fumbles did C-Mart have at Pittsburgh? That would be an interesting counter point considering Martin retired as one of the least fumble prone RBs in league history.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I like Stewart and Mendenhall more than DMC. DMC has explosive speed and acceleration, but I think the other two much more closely resemble the average successful NFL RB. As I've said before, I really think it's going to be interesting to watch McFadden's career unfold. The pundits would have you believe he's the second coming of Peterson, but I just don't see it.

Very few pundits would have you believe that. Who? Kiper, McShay and Sjip Bayless. The NFL Network spawned this thread. It is the anti-McFadden network and the league's flagship station. I listened to a panel of four ESPN talking heads all agree McFadden was not the top RB in this draft. Sorter's composite of rankings far and wide ranked Stewart higher. You McFadden bashers are in the majority as far as I can tell. Look at this board. You, Jason, Bloom, Waldman, Henry, Construx, and on and on and on. There is some serious division between the big three, but McFadden is not close to the consensus #1 that many portray.

 

[twitch]

Oh, my god. If Mendenhall goes to Detroit, Id never personally touch him. Not a chance.

Fast track with lethal weapons outside... tough inside-running tailback... you couldn't ask for a much better landing spot for RM.Not to mention it'll take him one morning session in the first practice to beat out Bell.

youve really got to be kidding me. Roy Williams is about out the door. Kitna is a scrub on his last legs there. Their Oline is a nightmare, and noone wants to go play there. I hope for that kid's sake, he goes to a real team. That team wont be real until either Millen is gone or the ownership changes.

 

[Kleck]

I know it's a minority opinion, but I would be much happier to have Rashard Mendenhall than Darren McFadden. Putting aside all the chatter about McFadden's character issues, the dude fumbles...a LOT. 23 fumbles? UGH. Mendenhall has a prototypical build, is tough, loves getting yards after contact, has a 2nd gear (admittedly not like McFadden's) and holds onto the ball.I have the 1st pick in an upcoming Dynasty draft and, presuming both are in position to have similar playing time in the next few years, I'm taking Mendenhall over McFadden.

I'm with you GB.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

if mendenhalls a lion do you change your opinion?

 

[Chaos Commish]

Fwiw, the one major criticism I do agree with is his ball handling, Jason. You are focused on the correct issue here. He carries it like Walter Payton did too often, but Payton managed to swing the ball around and not fumble. McFadden puts it on the ground way too much and it has to be corrected. They fixed Tiki and a few other backs so, we'll see.

 

[Jason Wood]

I like Stewart and Mendenhall more than DMC. DMC has explosive speed and acceleration, but I think the other two much more closely resemble the average successful NFL RB. As I've said before, I really think it's going to be interesting to watch McFadden's career unfold. The pundits would have you believe he's the second coming of Peterson, but I just don't see it.

Very few pundits would have you believe that. Who? Kiper, McShay and Sjip Bayless. The NFL Network spawned this thread. It is the anti-McFadden network and the league's flagship station. I listened to a panel of four ESPN talking heads all agree McFadden was not the top RB in this draft. Sorter's composite of rankings far and wide ranked Stewart higher. You McFadden bashers are in the majority as far as I can tell. Look at this board. You, Jason, Bloom, Waldman, Henry, Construx, and on and on and on. There is some serious division between the big three, but McFadden is not close to the consensus #1 that many portray.

I just don't see how you're getting that Chaos. The NFL invited six players to the draft; McFadden is one of them. I didn't see Stewart or Mendenhall get an invite. That's the league saying that not only is McFadden expected to be the top RB drafted, he's viewed as an elite player that's likely to go in the top 10. Furthermore, I can't think of too many mocks or sets of rankings that have McFadden a) going outside the top 10 or b) going after another RB. Even Mike Mayock (who has Mendenhall ahead of McFadden), expects Darren to go in the top 6. Charlie Casserly thinks McFadden is the top runner and will be gone in the top 6. Todd Waddell sees him going to Oakland. Deion thinks he's the best player in the draft. Solomon Wilcots thinks he's the top rated runner. Sporting News has him as a top prospect. I didn't start this thread to ignite a flame war about McFadden. I expect he'll go high and be a top choice. I expect he'll go higher than Mendenhall and the other RBs. I just personally see some red flags that I surprisingly haven't seen mentioned. I keep hearing all this chatter about his "character issues" which, to me, are far less relevant than his frame, running style and turnover history.

 

[Jason Wood]

if mendenhalls a lion do you change your opinion?

Not at all. The Lions are going to TRY to run the ball early and often this year; and Mendenhall would have ZERO competition for touches. Let's remember that Jim Colleto and Kippy Brown aren't going to be calling a 65%/35% pass/run ratio.

 

[EBF]

I like Stewart and Mendenhall more than DMC. DMC has explosive speed and acceleration, but I think the other two much more closely resemble the average successful NFL RB. As I've said before, I really think it's going to be interesting to watch McFadden's career unfold. The pundits would have you believe he's the second coming of Peterson, but I just don't see it.

Very few pundits would have you believe that. Who? Kiper, McShay and Sjip Bayless. The NFL Network spawned this thread. It is the anti-McFadden network and the league's flagship station. I listened to a panel of four ESPN talking heads all agree McFadden was not the top RB in this draft. Sorter's composite of rankings far and wide ranked Stewart higher. You McFadden bashers are in the majority as far as I can tell. Look at this board. You, Jason, Bloom, Waldman, Henry, Construx, and on and on and on. There is some serious division between the big three, but McFadden is not close to the consensus #1 that many portray.

He has more critics than Bush or Peterson. I'll agree with that, but I've seen a lot of mocks and rankings listing him as a top 2-3 pick and a franchise type runner.

 

[Raider Nation]

Let me fist say that I am an Illini fan and therefore painfully biased.I think they both look like great prospects, but what I fear with McFadden is that he looks so long. He makes me think of Chris Brown (obviously more talented) with how long he is and makes me worry about injuries. I do think the fumbling can be corrected, but injuries are a concern to me.

For any hardcore draftniks...have there been examples of RBs that fumble as much as McFadden and don't struggle with turnovers at the next level? I'm sure there are, but I wouldn't know where to begin to look.

Curtis Martin comes to mind.

Really? How many fumbles did C-Mart have at Pittsburgh? That would be an interesting counter point considering Martin retired as one of the least fumble prone RBs in league history.

I cannot seem to locate his college stats. He did have 17 fumbles his first 4 NFL seasons (not all of them lost) before improving dramatically.

 

[Yitbos69]

I am with you Jason......I myself like Mendenhall and Stewart more than MacFadden.....they both just seem to have a better body for the NFL and both are fast enough to be successful

 

[Chaos Commish]

I like Stewart and Mendenhall more than DMC. DMC has explosive speed and acceleration, but I think the other two much more closely resemble the average successful NFL RB. As I've said before, I really think it's going to be interesting to watch McFadden's career unfold. The pundits would have you believe he's the second coming of Peterson, but I just don't see it.

Very few pundits would have you believe that. Who? Kiper, McShay and Sjip Bayless. The NFL Network spawned this thread. It is the anti-McFadden network and the league's flagship station. I listened to a panel of four ESPN talking heads all agree McFadden was not the top RB in this draft. Sorter's composite of rankings far and wide ranked Stewart higher. You McFadden bashers are in the majority as far as I can tell. Look at this board. You, Jason, Bloom, Waldman, Henry, Construx, and on and on and on. There is some serious division between the big three, but McFadden is not close to the consensus #1 that many portray.

I just don't see how you're getting that Chaos.

It's pretty simple if you don't cut EBF's comment that I responded to. Sure he's in Radio City Music Hall tomorrow, and sure he's probably going to be the first RB and in the top ten. I never disputed any of that. I simply stated that what you're saying, Waldman is saying, EBF is saying, Mayock is saying on the flagship station, many ESPN pundits are saying etc etc etc.... all to the point of a respected compilation of rankings far and wide favoring Stewart. I'm repeating myself here. It's pretty simple Jason. No one really expects McFadden to be anything but RB1 in the draft. Many expect him to bust or at least be less productive than Stewart and Mendenhall. I take issue with the idea that those of you doubting McFadden are in some "smart minority". It's not that much of a minority anywhere I read or listen. It's a very common thought that you and a very long list of others are advancing.

 

[twitch]

if mendenhalls a lion do you change your opinion?

Not at all. The Lions are going to TRY to run the ball early and often this year; and Mendenhall would have ZERO competition for touches. Let's remember that Jim Colleto and Kippy Brown aren't going to be calling a 65%/35% pass/run ratio.

No team ever goes into a season wanting to finish 3-13. It just happens. That team STILL has 3-13 written all over them.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I like Stewart and Mendenhall more than DMC. DMC has explosive speed and acceleration, but I think the other two much more closely resemble the average successful NFL RB. As I've said before, I really think it's going to be interesting to watch McFadden's career unfold. The pundits would have you believe he's the second coming of Peterson, but I just don't see it.

Very few pundits would have you believe that. Who? Kiper, McShay and Sjip Bayless. The NFL Network spawned this thread. It is the anti-McFadden network and the league's flagship station. I listened to a panel of four ESPN talking heads all agree McFadden was not the top RB in this draft. Sorter's composite of rankings far and wide ranked Stewart higher. You McFadden bashers are in the majority as far as I can tell. Look at this board. You, Jason, Bloom, Waldman, Henry, Construx, and on and on and on. There is some serious division between the big three, but McFadden is not close to the consensus #1 that many portray.

He has more critics than Bush or Peterson. I'll agree with that, but I've seen a lot of mocks and rankings listing him as a top 2-3 pick and a franchise type runner.

You're right of course. But my point is the lack of consensus and the many who agree he's going to be drafted high but fail. I don't have a big problem with the criticism he's getting. I'm pretty confident he'll be an excellent RB. The second coming? No. That's Peterson, God willing and his health stays good. If he busts, I'll be the first to interrupt those that say things like "everyone thought he was gold but me". That's nonsense. If he's really good, some of his fans are going to be obnoxious. Not me. I understand the issues you, Jason, Waldman and others are detailing; and they are real. I'm not supporting him blindly. I'm believing what he does great is enough for him to be very good and featured, god willing and his health stays good.

 

[rzrback77]

I like Stewart and Mendenhall more than DMC. DMC has explosive speed and acceleration, but I think the other two much more closely resemble the average successful NFL RB. As I've said before, I really think it's going to be interesting to watch McFadden's career unfold. The pundits would have you believe he's the second coming of Peterson, but I just don't see it.

Very few pundits would have you believe that. Who? Kiper, McShay and Sjip Bayless. The NFL Network spawned this thread. It is the anti-McFadden network and the league's flagship station. I listened to a panel of four ESPN talking heads all agree McFadden was not the top RB in this draft. Sorter's composite of rankings far and wide ranked Stewart higher. You McFadden bashers are in the majority as far as I can tell. Look at this board. You, Jason, Bloom, Waldman, Henry, Construx, and on and on and on. There is some serious division between the big three, but McFadden is not close to the consensus #1 that many portray.

He has more critics than Bush or Peterson. I'll agree with that, but I've seen a lot of mocks and rankings listing him as a top 2-3 pick and a franchise type runner.

You're right of course. But my point is the lack of consensus and the many who agree he's going to be drafted high but fail. I don't have a big problem with the criticism he's getting. I'm pretty confident he'll be an excellent RB. The second coming? No. That's Peterson, God willing and his health stays good. If he busts, I'll be the first to interrupt those that say things like "everyone thought he was gold but me". That's nonsense. If he's really good, some of his fans are going to be obnoxious. Not me. I understand the issues you, Jason, Waldman and others are detailing; and they are real. I'm not supporting him blindly. I'm believing what he does great is enough for him to be very good and featured, god willing and his health stays good.

I too believe that McFadden will be very good,but in addition to his health, he needs to improve his off-field decision making, which I think he can do.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I'm an SEC homer that has been hating on the Big 10 for the last few years.

That said, I definitely like Mendenhall more than McFadden this year.

Skinny legs just don't do it for me. Running backs don't need to be able to break tackles. They need to be able to break tackles without slowing down. In so many of the long runs from guys like LT/AD/Sjax you'll see guys getting shoulders or arms on their legs and those guys just running through it like it never even happened. Guys like Caddy and Bush haven't really struggled that much to break tackles, they just have to slow down so much to do it. I think McFadden is much more similar to the latter than the former in this regard. Most of his long runs in college were on plays where he was untouched, which is going to happen much less often in the NFL.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I just don't see how you're getting that Chaos.

Here's a more clear explanation of what I think is true. There's no majority #1 RB according to those ranking by projections or talent or future expectations. There is a clear majority agreement on who will be the first RB off the board, McFadden. But this isn't like Bush or Peterson, where that agreement pretty clearly extended to projections and opinions on talent or rankings among his peers. There were very few who preferred Lynch. There were more who preferred Maroney, but still they were like a few mosquitos buzzing around the converstation. McFadden, Stewart, Mendenhall is more like Ronnie, Cedrick, Caddy when it comes to opinions on who is the best player. The three are split enough that no one player has a 50% majority of opinion. McFadden is obviously leading the vote, but it is far from clear like the past two years. His clear draft status is different from the situation in 05, but prevailing opinion is all over the place.

 

[alg]

Jeesh. I swear you all are more worried about DMAC for his body type than anything else. Is this a fashion show?

As far as fumbling is concerned, I think much of that has been explained in the context of him running options where he would mishandle the ball. Of course, if you think his QB limitations are a big factor....

Really, I think all you doubters protesteth too much. If he is inferior to the other big 3 members then I fully expect to see the NFL draft give some clue of this. After all, they are in a much better position of judging how DMAC will look in this year's fall fashions.

 

[Raider Nation]

I definitely like Mendenhall more than McFadden this year.Skinny legs just don't do it for me.

Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, Gale Sayers, O.J. Simpson and some other modern-era Hall of Fame RBs had "skinny legs"...You can find reasons not to like McFadden, but that shouldn't be one of them. It means less than nothing.

 

[Englishteacher]

I think the bar set by McFadden is what allows McFadden himself to be criticized so much. I have no doubt he will be AT LEAST a top 10 or 15 RB in the NFL. Everyone acts like this kid is going to fall on his face. I just don't see it. I think part of the cynicism involving this kid revolves around whether he's going to be in the top 5 or top 3 or the top back in the NFL. I think he's a much better RB than Reggie Bush (an uber hyped, high draft pick RB). BUsh has yet to prove he's a real RB in the NFL. I don't think he's going to be as good as Peterson. He's going to be somewhere in between and that's pretty darn good. You really think Stewart and Mendenhall don't have bust potential? Stewart's coming into the league with a dubious injury history and Mendenhall couldn't beat out a guy who wasn't even drafted. I think in the right system McFadden is going to be golden. Look at Westbrook. Would he be as good as he is if he weren't in the perfect place for him; Philly? You get a coach that recognizes McFadden's talent and somewhat designs a system that utilizes it correctly and I don't see him failing outside of injury. He's going to be good. He ain't no Ryan Leaf. We just don't know how good yet. But I still have real faith he's going to be good.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I definitely like Mendenhall more than McFadden this year.Skinny legs just don't do it for me.

Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, Gale Sayers, O.J. Simpson and some other modern-era Hall of Fame RBs had "skinny legs"...You can find reasons not to like McFadden, but that shouldn't be one of them. It means less than nothing.

Name one drafted in the last 20 years.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

I think Stewart will end up better than both of these guys. But I still prefer McFadden to Mendenhal.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I know it's a minority opinion, but I would be much happier to have Rashard Mendenhall than Darren McFadden. Putting aside all the chatter about McFadden's character issues, the dude fumbles...a LOT. 23 fumbles? UGH. Mendenhall has a prototypical build, is tough, loves getting yards after contact, has a 2nd gear (admittedly not like McFadden's) and holds onto the ball.I have the 1st pick in an upcoming Dynasty draft and, presuming both are in position to have similar playing time in the next few years, I'm taking Mendenhall over McFadden.

I concur . . .

I concur your concursion. For me McFadden reminds me a lot of Bush, great wide open runner if he can turn the corner. I have not seen enough up the middle leg push from the guy to warrant picking him in the top 10 when there are other backs on the board that I feel are in the same class. If I were the team thinking of taking McFadden early I would trade down and take Mendenhall.

 

[switz]

I know it's a minority opinion, but I would be much happier to have Rashard Mendenhall than Darren McFadden. Putting aside all the chatter about McFadden's character issues, the dude fumbles...a LOT. 23 fumbles? UGH. Mendenhall has a prototypical build, is tough, loves getting yards after contact, has a 2nd gear (admittedly not like McFadden's) and holds onto the ball.I have the 1st pick in an upcoming Dynasty draft and, presuming both are in position to have similar playing time in the next few years, I'm taking Mendenhall over McFadden.

I don't tihnk you're crazy - I like him better as well.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I like Mendenhall much better than McFadden. RMs attitude, size, vision, and power are superior to DMCs.

Mendenhall will not make it past the Bengals spot in todays draft.

 

[Jason Wood]

I just don't see how you're getting that Chaos.

Here's a more clear explanation of what I think is true. There's no majority #1 RB according to those ranking by projections or talent or future expectations. There is a clear majority agreement on who will be the first RB off the board, McFadden. But this isn't like Bush or Peterson, where that agreement pretty clearly extended to projections and opinions on talent or rankings among his peers. There were very few who preferred Lynch. There were more who preferred Maroney, but still they were like a few mosquitos buzzing around the converstation. McFadden, Stewart, Mendenhall is more like Ronnie, Cedrick, Caddy when it comes to opinions on who is the best player. The three are split enough that no one player has a 50% majority of opinion. McFadden is obviously leading the vote, but it is far from clear like the past two years. His clear draft status is different from the situation in 05, but prevailing opinion is all over the place.

That's fair. I must say that I too am surprised by Stewart being projected as the top RB in Sorter's spreadsheet, only because every time I look on a site or watch NFL Network, or watch ESPN; McFadden is the top guy (except for Mayock who has him 2nd to Mendenhall, not Stewart). But that's a discussion about whether Sorter's rankings accurately project the "consensus" view or not.

Jeesh. I swear you all are more worried about DMAC for his body type than anything else. Is this a fashion show?As far as fumbling is concerned, I think much of that has been explained in the context of him running options where he would mishandle the ball. Of course, if you think his QB limitations are a big factor....Really, I think all you doubters protesteth too much. If he is inferior to the other big 3 members then I fully expect to see the NFL draft give some clue of this. After all, they are in a much better position of judging how DMAC will look in this year's fall fashions.

Look, I've been saying all offseason that my fanaticism toward the draft has waned b/c of the impossibility of projecting greatness no matter what we think on draft day. Based on history, there's a good chance that NEITHER McFadden nor Mendenhall will be the best NFL RB out of this draft. And we won't know that for years. And while I won't speak for others, I never said I think McFadden is going to be a "bust." I just said that, for my money, I would rather see my team draft Mendenhall AND if I have the 1st pick in a fantasy dynasty rookie draft (which I do), I would lean toward Mendenhall as long as he goes to a team where he projects to be the starter.

 

[twitch]

I like Mendenhall much better than McFadden. RMs attitude, size, vision, and power are superior to DMCs. Mendenhall will not make it past the Bengals spot in todays draft.

How do you get that Mendenhall has a better attitude or better vision than McFadden? Not to take anything away from Mendenhall, because he looks like he'll be a good back. But better vision? Better attitude? I'd obviously agree with the size and power assessment. But if he had better vision as well, with that combo, he'd be in NYC right now about to go top 5. No question.

 

[yellowdog]

I definitely like Mendenhall more than McFadden this year.Skinny legs just don't do it for me.

Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, Gale Sayers, O.J. Simpson and some other modern-era Hall of Fame RBs had "skinny legs"...You can find reasons not to like McFadden, but that shouldn't be one of them. It means less than nothing.

Name one drafted in the last 20 years.

He's built a lot like Robert Smith.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I like Mendenhall much better than McFadden. RMs attitude, size, vision, and power are superior to DMCs. Mendenhall will not make it past the Bengals spot in todays draft.

How do you get that Mendenhall has a better attitude or better vision than McFadden? Not to take anything away from Mendenhall, because he looks like he'll be a good back. But better vision? Better attitude? I'd obviously agree with the size and power assessment. But if he had better vision as well, with that combo, he'd be in NYC right now about to go top 5. No question.

McFadden is a straight line runner with exceptional burst. I should have replaced attitude with character. There are nicks in DMCs resume in that area. I don't think either has elite vision, but IMO RM is more patient and able to identify holes and gaps more instinctively.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I definitely like Mendenhall more than McFadden this year.Skinny legs just don't do it for me.

Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, Gale Sayers, O.J. Simpson and some other modern-era Hall of Fame RBs had "skinny legs"...You can find reasons not to like McFadden, but that shouldn't be one of them. It means less than nothing.

Name one drafted in the last 20 years.