Just read this a few minutes ago, here is link to article:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000754121/article/ohio-states-unreal-2016-draft-class-dallas-benddontbreak-d
ASK THE LEAGUE: How does Christian McCaffrey project to the NFL?
When Christian McCaffrey
decided to enter the draft, I admittedly perked up at the thought of another dynamic playmaker entering the league. With the running back about to begin the pre-draft process, I thought I'd reach out to a few folks in the industry to get their initial impressions on the Stanford star. Here's what I asked and their responses:
What are your thoughts on Christian McCaffrey? Will he be a star as a pro?
NFC scout: "I believe the kid is an outstanding talent, but you must have a plan for what you're going to do with him. He's not going to be as fast or as twitchy as some expect, but he is going to test well enough to be in the conversation in the first round. As a player, I don't know if he can shoulder the load as a workhorse back. He gains a lot of yards between the tackles, but I don't know if he is ever going to be a YAC (yards after contact) guy. To me, he is Brian Westbrook. He will make his plays as a runner-receiver-returner in the right system. I just hope he goes to a team that understands his game and puts him in the right spots to shine."
AFC senior personnel executive: "Hmmm. He's a nice piece of a puzzle, but I don't think he's a transcendent star. I can see him being more of a role player like
Danny Woodhead. He's more of a balance and control-type runner, instead of a dynamic playmaker. He has some shake and wiggle, but lacks exceptional pitter-pat. ... I think he needs to be in the right system to maximize his talents as a multi-purpose player."
Second NFC scout: "I don't think he's as good as
Reggie Bush and (Bush) didn't set the league on fire. To me, McCaffrey is a role player that gets a few touches on catches out of the backfield or on gadgets. I might be wrong, but I don't think he can be a full-time guy."
MY TAKE
It is little surprising to hear the varying opinions from scouts on one of the most accomplished players in college football. McCaffrey is only a season removed from shattering Barry Sanders' NCAA record for single-season all-purpose yardage. Not to mention, he is completing a season where he has rushed for over 1,600 yards and tallied eight 100-yard rushing games. Considering how he entered the year as a marked man after finishing second in the 2015 Heisman Trophy voting, I would think that his production alone would pique the interest of scouts looking for a versatile playmaker to add to the lineup.
When
I've previously studied McCaffrey at Stanford, I've been impressed with his big-play ability as a two-phase player. He can flip the field with his efforts as a runner-receiver-returner, and he's a gritty workhorse for a team that lacks many playmakers on the perimeter. Moreover, McCaffrey played and acted like a five-star player whenever the Cardinal faced elite competition, so I sensed that the NFL game wouldn't be too big for him when he got his chance.
Studying coaches tape from this season, I was still impressed with McCaffrey's versatility and playmaking skills as a multi-purpose weapon, but I didn't see him generate as many explosive plays. As a runner, in particular, I didn't see him reach the second level on a series of explosive cuts or creative moves that suggested he could play like Houdini in a phone booth at the next level. Granted, he was facing a number of loaded boxes after posting a monster season as the RB1 for the Cardinal, but I still expected to see him pop a few big runs based on his reputation as a premier playmaker at the position.
As a punt returner, McCaffrey is a home run waiting to happen. He has a knack for spotting creases in traffic that should make him a dynamic return man at the next level. Despite having several punt-return scores called back due to penalties this season, McCaffrey's brilliance as a returner is enough to make him an early-round selection.
Overall, I tend to agree with the assessment that McCaffrey is probably destined to be more of a role player than a star at the next level. I know he has some "wow" plays on his résumé, but not nearly as many as
Reggie Bush compiled at USC. Given how Bush largely made his mark in the league as a third-down back/return specialist, I would expect McCaffrey settle into a similar role as a pro.
With that being said, I do believe he could be a game changer for a team like New England, San Diego or New Orleans. Those teams understand how to incorporate versatile playmakers into the game plan. In the end, scheme fit will determine whether McCaffrey sets the league on fire.
