Darren McFadden declares for draft (1 Viewer)

[jeter23]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3192816

Tailback Darren McFadden, the University of Arkansas star runner who finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up in each of the past two seasons, will forego his final season of college eligibility and enter the 2008 NFL draft, ESPN.com has learned.

Multiple sources said McFadden's father, Graylon McFadden, dispatched the appropriate paperwork to the NFL office early this week. The decision by one of the college game's most electrifying performers to leave school a year early and pursue a professional career was hardly unexpected.

League and team officials, by policy, are precluded from commenting on underclass players who have petitioned for early draft entry until after the deadline for doing so has passed. The deadline is Jan. 15, and the NFL will release a full list of underclass prospects after that.

While it is still early in the evaluation process for the April 26-27 draft, many league scouts feel that McFadden could be the most talented prospect in the player pool.

The Miami Dolphins own the top overall selection, but given the franchise's many needs, they could trade the choice for additional picks. Where McFadden is chosen could depend on the respective needs of the franchises choosing in the very early stages of the first round, but he is expected to be a top five pick.

McFadden, 20, appeared in 30 games for the Razorbacks in three seasons, and carried 785 times for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns. He also had 46 receptions for 365 yards and two touchdowns. In each of the last two seasons, McFadden rushed for over 1,600 yards. He rushed for 1,830 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2007.

The North Little Rock, Ark., native holds the school record for single-season and career rushing yards. A three-time All-American, McFadden won the Doak Walker Award as the country's top running back for both 2006 and 2007.

Citing league rules that prohibit discussing underclass prospects before the NFL deems them officially eligible for the draft, scouts contacted late Friday night declined to comment for attribution about McFadden's potential draft status. But the feeling is that McFadden could produce the same kind of immediate impact in the league that Minnesota Vikings first-round pick Adrian Peterson did this season.

Peterson last week was chosen as the league's 2007 offensive rookie of the year.

Some scouts, however, did note that teams interested in choosing McFadden will investigate an early Thursday incident in which he was briefly handcuffed and then released following a disturbance outside of a Little Rock piano bar that was described by a police spokesperson as "a pretty rowdy scene."

No charges have been filed against McFadden. His mother, Mini Muhammad, said that her son was protecting his younger brother, Daryl, in the fracas.

Late in the season, a local television station reported that sports agent Mike Conley, a former track and field star, had arranged for McFadden to purchase a Cadillac Escalade. The station subsequently backed off the report, and McFadden termed the story "uncalled for."

Conley is not certified to represent NFL Players, the NFL Players Association confirmed for ESPN.com on Friday. The players union is the body which accredits agents and Conley, who applied for certification last year, apparently did not meet the requirements. Conley cannot become certified before the draft.

 

[LAUNCH]

Think McFadden is a can't-miss NFL prospect? Think again

I hate to burst the bubble of Darren McFadden and all the draftniks who think he's the second coming of Adrian Peterson, but he isn't. Honestly, you shouldn't even use both names in the same sentence.

Yes, McFadden ran for a ton of yards at Arkansas and was a two-time Heisman Trophy runnerup. But I've watched him on film and up close in the Cotton Bowl, and I've seen no special qualities that will make him an exceptional running back.

McFadden has breakaway speed, I'll give him that. And he's fearless putting hits on defenders. But that's part of his problem -- he initiates contact. Unless you're built like Earl Campbell -- a mountain of a man whose career was nevertheless shortened to eight seasons because of injuries -- you won't last as a running back in the NFL by seeking contact.

A running back's most important quality is elusiveness. Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton -- all the great ones had it. So do current stars such as Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson. Their methods differed, but these backs had the key to turning a 2-yard gain into a 22-yard gain -- and to surviving a brutal profession. They knew how to make tacklers miss. McFadden doesn't.

He also lacks the vision that is critical to finding open field. That's why he initiates contact -- he can't see the daylight to run to. He's a classic I-formation back who needs a fullback to lead the way. If the fullback gets caught in traffic, McFadden runs right up his back, rarely making the cut that would allow him to gain more yards.

I do believe an Arkansas running back should go in the first round of the draft. That would be Felix Jones, who, like McFadden, is a junior who is expected to declare for the draft. With his vision, moves and speed, Jones will be a better pro than McFadden.

When the Saints played at Chicago in Week 17, Pierre Thomas of New Orleans made his first NFL start. Thomas was an undrafted rookie out of Illinois, but you couldn't tell by watching him. He showed nifty moves, great vision and balance, power up the middle, soft hands and the ability to break tackles. He ran for 105 yards on 20 carries and caught 12 passes for another 121 yards. Reggie Bush has never had an NFL game like that.

Fact is, I'd take Thomas over McFadden, straight up. In a heartbeat.

Brian Baldinger, an offensive lineman for 12 NFL seasons, can be heard on Sporting News Radio and seen on Fox Sports. Listen online at http://radio.sportingnews.com.

I've seen some dumb things written, but this has a 5 Star Short Yellow Bus Shark Pool Glimmer to it.....

LAUNCH

 

[King of the Jungle]

Think McFadden is a can't-miss NFL prospect? Think again

I hate to burst the bubble of Darren McFadden and all the draftniks who think he's the second coming of Adrian Peterson, but he isn't. Honestly, you shouldn't even use both names in the same sentence.

Yes, McFadden ran for a ton of yards at Arkansas and was a two-time Heisman Trophy runnerup. But I've watched him on film and up close in the Cotton Bowl, and I've seen no special qualities that will make him an exceptional running back.

McFadden has breakaway speed, I'll give him that. And he's fearless putting hits on defenders. But that's part of his problem -- he initiates contact. Unless you're built like Earl Campbell -- a mountain of a man whose career was nevertheless shortened to eight seasons because of injuries -- you won't last as a running back in the NFL by seeking contact.

A running back's most important quality is elusiveness. Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton -- all the great ones had it. So do current stars such as Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson. Their methods differed, but these backs had the key to turning a 2-yard gain into a 22-yard gain -- and to surviving a brutal profession. They knew how to make tacklers miss. McFadden doesn't.

He also lacks the vision that is critical to finding open field. That's why he initiates contact -- he can't see the daylight to run to. He's a classic I-formation back who needs a fullback to lead the way. If the fullback gets caught in traffic, McFadden runs right up his back, rarely making the cut that would allow him to gain more yards.

I do believe an Arkansas running back should go in the first round of the draft. That would be Felix Jones, who, like McFadden, is a junior who is expected to declare for the draft. With his vision, moves and speed, Jones will be a better pro than McFadden.

When the Saints played at Chicago in Week 17, Pierre Thomas of New Orleans made his first NFL start. Thomas was an undrafted rookie out of Illinois, but you couldn't tell by watching him. He showed nifty moves, great vision and balance, power up the middle, soft hands and the ability to break tackles. He ran for 105 yards on 20 carries and caught 12 passes for another 121 yards. Reggie Bush has never had an NFL game like that.

Fact is, I'd take Thomas over McFadden, straight up. In a heartbeat.

Brian Baldinger, an offensive lineman for 12 NFL seasons, can be heard on Sporting News Radio and seen on Fox Sports. Listen online at http://radio.sportingnews.com.

I've seen some dumb things written, but this has a 5 Star Short Yellow Bus Shark Pool Glimmer to it.....

LAUNCH

I guess I will take the short bus to work as well. I agree with his assessment.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

Think McFadden is a can't-miss NFL prospect? Think again

I hate to burst the bubble of Darren McFadden and all the draftniks who think he's the second coming of Adrian Peterson, but he isn't. Honestly, you shouldn't even use both names in the same sentence.

Yes, McFadden ran for a ton of yards at Arkansas and was a two-time Heisman Trophy runnerup. But I've watched him on film and up close in the Cotton Bowl, and I've seen no special qualities that will make him an exceptional running back.

McFadden has breakaway speed, I'll give him that. And he's fearless putting hits on defenders. But that's part of his problem -- he initiates contact. Unless you're built like Earl Campbell -- a mountain of a man whose career was nevertheless shortened to eight seasons because of injuries -- you won't last as a running back in the NFL by seeking contact.

A running back's most important quality is elusiveness. Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton -- all the great ones had it. So do current stars such as Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson. Their methods differed, but these backs had the key to turning a 2-yard gain into a 22-yard gain -- and to surviving a brutal profession. They knew how to make tacklers miss. McFadden doesn't.

He also lacks the vision that is critical to finding open field. That's why he initiates contact -- he can't see the daylight to run to. He's a classic I-formation back who needs a fullback to lead the way. If the fullback gets caught in traffic, McFadden runs right up his back, rarely making the cut that would allow him to gain more yards.

I do believe an Arkansas running back should go in the first round of the draft. That would be Felix Jones, who, like McFadden, is a junior who is expected to declare for the draft. With his vision, moves and speed, Jones will be a better pro than McFadden.

When the Saints played at Chicago in Week 17, Pierre Thomas of New Orleans made his first NFL start. Thomas was an undrafted rookie out of Illinois, but you couldn't tell by watching him. He showed nifty moves, great vision and balance, power up the middle, soft hands and the ability to break tackles. He ran for 105 yards on 20 carries and caught 12 passes for another 121 yards. Reggie Bush has never had an NFL game like that.

Fact is, I'd take Thomas over McFadden, straight up. In a heartbeat.

Brian Baldinger, an offensive lineman for 12 NFL seasons, can be heard on Sporting News Radio and seen on Fox Sports. Listen online at http://radio.sportingnews.com.

I've seen some dumb things written, but this has a 5 Star Short Yellow Bus Shark Pool Glimmer to it.....

LAUNCH

So LAUNCH your on the clock with the first pick in the Rook draft and you pick?Felix Jones. I guess time will tell. Too bad I don't pick second behind You.

 

[Duke1948]

Fact is, I'd take Thomas over McFadden, straight up. In a heartbeat.

Brian Baldinger, an offensive lineman for 12 NFL seasons, can be heard on Sporting News Radio and seen on Fox Sports. Listen online at http://radio.sportingnews.com.

didn't realize that senility set in at such a young age??

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

McFadden is the most overrated prospect in the Draft.

Lacks the quick feet, agility to succeed in the NFL.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

McFadden is the most overrated prospect in the Draft.Lacks the quick feet, agility to succeed in the NFL.

So who would you pick at 1.1?

 

[Spike]

McFadden is the most overrated prospect in the Draft.Lacks the quick feet, agility to succeed in the NFL.

So who would you pick at 1.1?

Cedric Benson - obviously.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

McFadden is the most overrated prospect in the Draft.Lacks the quick feet, agility to succeed in the NFL.

So who would you pick at 1.1?

Cedric Benson - obviously.

and You would take Spike. Not funny.

 

[cstu]

My biggest concern with McFadden is the gimmicky offense he was in. Admittedly, he was great in it but he's a little too Reggie Bush for my liking and doesn't catch the ball nearly as well. I would certainly consider Jonathan Stewart at 1.01 depending on where they both go.

 

[Kegs & Eggs]

Color me foolish, but I think DMac will be very good at the next level.

 

[jurb26]

My biggest concern with McFadden is the gimmicky offense he was in. Admittedly, he was great in it but he's a little too Reggie Bush for my liking and doesn't catch the ball nearly as well. I would certainly consider Jonathan Stewart at 1.01 depending on where they both go.

Gimmick offense or not, you don't have the kind of success McFadden did in the SEC if you are not talented. He also did it with basically nothing out of the passing game to make teams respect them throwing the ball.McFadden will be a very good NFL back.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Think McFadden is a can't-miss NFL prospect? Think again

I do believe an Arkansas running back should go in the first round of the draft. That would be Felix Jones, who, like McFadden, is a junior who is expected to declare for the draft. With his vision, moves and speed, Jones will be a better pro than McFadden.

I've felt this for a while now but this guy is a lot more bold than I am. Felix Jones should be the 2nd RB taken in this draft. And in terms of FF rookie drafts, I'll be glad to have him on my team.

 

[menobrown]

My biggest concern with McFadden is the gimmicky offense he was in. Admittedly, he was great in it but he's a little too Reggie Bush for my liking and doesn't catch the ball nearly as well. I would certainly consider Jonathan Stewart at 1.01 depending on where they both go.

That's a poor assessment on your part. The Hogs ran plays out of the Wildcat formation but to call it a gimmicky offense is insane when that did not make up the majority of his carries. In fact I'd say he offense was anything but gimmicky but it was more lining up against the best defenses in the country in the SEC who knew the Hogs were going to run and more often than not they still could not stop Mcfadden. That's not gimmicky, that's smash mouth football.Peterson is proven on the NFL level and Mcfadden is not so at this time you have to give the edge to Peterson but the only way Mcfadden wont succed in the NFL is injuries. If healthy, he's can't miss.

 

[LAUNCH]

So LAUNCH your on the clock with the first pick in the Rook draft and you pick?Felix Jones. I guess time will tell. Too bad I don't pick second behind You.

Right now I do have the 1st two picks in my rookie draft and I am planning on taking McFadden and Stewart. I don't think McFadden will get drafted to team with an offensive line like Peterson did, but if he gets in a good situation I think he's going to be a good back. Peterson fell to #7 because of a history of injuries and if McFadden were to fall to #7 because people didn't think he was going to be the next Pierre Thomas I can assure you that I would be doing back flips LAUNCH

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

It's going to be interesting as Bill Parcells is certainly a mover and shaker, and he's already said that 1.01 is for sale.

Somebody's going to want to move up for him, and the Dolphins would do better with Dorsey or Long (DE, VA).

Also - can we agree that McFadden's nickname is/will be RUN DMC?

 

[FTRWRTR]

It's going to be interesting as Bill Parcells is certainly a mover and shaker, and he's already said that 1.01 is for sale.Somebody's going to want to move up for him, and the Dolphins would do better with Dorsey or Long (DE, VA). Also - can we agree that McFadden's nickname is/will be RUN DMC?

I agree that Miami goes with d-line help. However with the depth and quality of this year's rb class I don't know if anyone will trade up to the #1 spot. My guess is they end up keeping the pick and take dorseyCall him what you will but I've been going with dmac and that ain't changing

 

[Bri]

Think McFadden is a can't-miss NFL prospect? Think again

A running back's most important quality is elusiveness. Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton -- all the great ones had it. So do current stars such as Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson. Their methods differed, but these backs had the key to turning a 2-yard gain into a 22-yard gain -- and to surviving a brutal profession. They knew how to make tacklers miss. McFadden doesn't.

Sweetness would take people on, there's some very famous highlights of him doing just that. Eric Dickerson and Roger Craig had long careers taking people on as well, their high knees and driving legs sure helped but they took defenders on and weren't always elusive.

So much here, so little time

 

[VaCatFan]

Is he or isn't he applying for the draft? http://canadianpress.google.com/article/AL...SWyVuiHkNko9LRg

McFadden's father denies report that Arkansas star is entering NFL draft

8 hours ago

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The father of Arkansas star Darren McFadden denied a report that he has sent paperwork to the NFL so his son can enter the upcoming draft.

One online news source, citing unidentified sources, reported that Graylon McFadden provided the relevant paperwork early this week.

"I hate to be saying anything because all these false stories and everything are floating around," Graylon McFadden told The Associated Press on Saturday. "But no I didn't - and that's all I've got to say."

Darren McFadden, a junior tailback, was the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2006 and 2007. His entry into the NFL draft would come as no surprise. He's second on the Southeastern Conference's single-season and career rushing lists after running for 1,830 yards this past season and 4,590 during his three-year career.

The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft is next Tuesday. Felix Jones, Arkansas' other talented junior tailback, has said he'll announce his intentions Monday.

 

[kremenull]

So you guys are saying that players like Addai, Maroney, Willie Parker, and Ryan Grant......yikes!......can all thrive in the NFL but a much more talented McFadden will not.........

 

[Maroney=Speed]

So you guys are saying that players like Addai, Maroney, Willie Parker, and Ryan Grant......yikes!......can all thrive in the NFL but a much more talented McFadden will not.........

Yep, thats what there saying.I'm sure after the 6th game in the NFL, they will then say how they know McFadden would be great.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

So you guys are saying that players like Addai, Maroney, Willie Parker, and Ryan Grant......yikes!......can all thrive in the NFL but a much more talented McFadden will not.........

Yep, thats what there saying.I'm sure after the 6th game in the NFL, they will then say how they know McFadden would be great.

I for one am not saying that he won't be good. I'm just trying to tell you guys that he won't be the next ADP, that's all. Don't expect this guy to come into the league and be the next big thing. He'll be good. But not "starting in the Pro-Bowl his rookie year" good.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

So you guys are saying that players like Addai, Maroney, Willie Parker, and Ryan Grant......yikes!......can all thrive in the NFL but a much more talented McFadden will not.........

Yep, thats what there saying.I'm sure after the 6th game in the NFL, they will then say how they know McFadden would be great.

I for one am not saying that he won't be good. I'm just trying to tell you guys that he won't be the next ADP, that's all. Don't expect this guy to come into the league and be the next big thing. He'll be good. But not "starting in the Pro-Bowl his rookie year" good.

Who's saying He will be? All Day type players come around once every 10 years.McFadden is not that player.

 

[Bri]

So you guys are saying that players like Addai, Maroney, Willie Parker, and Ryan Grant......yikes!......can all thrive in the NFL but a much more talented McFadden will not.........

Much of success in the NFL is about opportunity. Not as much is about talent and ability.Good ol' Barry found a way to be great on a poor team, then found a way to be great on a pretty terrific O. Few players have been able to do both.Look how many people like Lee Evans on this board but not the guy passing to him. How many times have you thought that about a WR over the year?Back to RBsCaddy and Ronnie have both had their moments that they were impressive. They both are very talented and were very good prospects. Neither has really put together a wow season yet as (when healthy) their team's haven't been very good. Down by 20 will limit a RB moreso than any defensive scheme.In 06, the 49ers were in their share of close games. Not so much in 2007. How'd Gore do in each?Bears run game last year vs this year?It's very hard for a RB to perform well during a losing season, very few do.I thought Marshawn Lynch did and it's one of those things for dynasty I make a mental note of. It didn't matter that the Bills turned it around and almost made the playoffs, he was good most of the year. For me, it means Marshawn may be a special player, only time will tell.BTW Ryan Grant's success is somewhat irrelevant as few had a pulse on whether he was very good or not. The expectations for a practice squad player that goes on IR are so minimal I don't think he fits in here.

 

[Da Guru]

McFadden declares himself elgible for the NFL draft and gets arrested the same day..he would make a good Bengal.

 

[kremenull]

So you guys are saying that players like Addai, Maroney, Willie Parker, and Ryan Grant......yikes!......can all thrive in the NFL but a much more talented McFadden will not.........

Much of success in the NFL is about opportunity. Not as much is about talent and ability.Good ol' Barry found a way to be great on a poor team, then found a way to be great on a pretty terrific O. Few players have been able to do both.Look how many people like Lee Evans on this board but not the guy passing to him. How many times have you thought that about a WR over the year?Back to RBsCaddy and Ronnie have both had their moments that they were impressive. They both are very talented and were very good prospects. Neither has really put together a wow season yet as (when healthy) their team's haven't been very good. Down by 20 will limit a RB moreso than any defensive scheme.In 06, the 49ers were in their share of close games. Not so much in 2007. How'd Gore do in each?Bears run game last year vs this year?It's very hard for a RB to perform well during a losing season, very few do.I thought Marshawn Lynch did and it's one of those things for dynasty I make a mental note of. It didn't matter that the Bills turned it around and almost made the playoffs, he was good most of the year. For me, it means Marshawn may be a special player, only time will tell.BTW Ryan Grant's success is somewhat irrelevant as few had a pulse on whether he was very good or not. The expectations for a practice squad player that goes on IR are so minimal I don't think he fits in here.

Well, the point that I am making is that this guy (McFadden) has all-world talent (ala Barry, Bo, and O.J.). And guys I mentioned simply don't, and they are having success. Caddillac is pretty good, but not close to McFadden as a prospect. Also, Ronnie Brown was on his way to a phenomenal season this year before he got injured, so I will count this year as a big year for him........he was well ahead of all RBs in fantasy production and was on pace for over 2,000 combined yardsMcFadden is a cant' miss superstar and I can't wait to revisit this post sometime next season......

 

[Mr. Peterson]

So you guys are saying that players like Addai, Maroney, Willie Parker, and Ryan Grant......yikes!......can all thrive in the NFL but a much more talented McFadden will not.........

Yep, thats what there saying.I'm sure after the 6th game in the NFL, they will then say how they know McFadden would be great.

I for one am not saying that he won't be good. I'm just trying to tell you guys that he won't be the next ADP, that's all. Don't expect this guy to come into the league and be the next big thing. He'll be good. But not "starting in the Pro-Bowl his rookie year" good.

Who's saying He will be? All Day type players come around once every 10 years.McFadden is not that player.

The guy who posted above this for one (kremenull). And alot of other people think he is a "can't miss stud".

 

[Cookiemonster]

I think he is the most talented back in this draft, but he's also possibly the biggest bust risk over the last couple years (moreso than Bush IMO). I can't say for sure that I'd be willing to draft Stewart (NFL or FF) over McFadden, but I would feel safer in doing so.

 

[Poppa]

 

[WampusCat43]

Some scouts, however, did note that teams interested in choosing McFadden will investigate an early Thursday incident in which he was briefly handcuffed and then released following a disturbance outside of a Little Rock piano bar that was described by a police spokesperson as "a pretty rowdy scene."No charges have been filed against McFadden. His mother, Mini Muhammad, said that her son was protecting his younger brother, Daryl, in the fracas.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Well, the point that I am making is that this guy (McFadden) has all-world talent (ala Barry, Bo, and O.J.).

I like McFadden a bunch but I'd say it's mighty early for that statement. In fact, it would be mighty early to name AP in that sentance instead of McFadden and we've seen him at the Pro level.I mean, let's not resort to pure hyperbole here.