Darren McFadden – Dallas Cowboys
2014: 155 Attempts 534 Yards 2 Touchdowns (with Oakland Raiders)
Darren McFadden was the fourth overall pick out of Arkansas in the 2008 NFL draft and was considered by many as a “can’t miss prospect”. Well, seven years playing in Oakland coupled with a number of nagging injuries, McFadden now finds himself battling for a chance to start for the Dallas Cowboys. When the Cowboys lost running back Demarco Murray to the Eagles this offseason, speculation was that Dallas would find his replacement by trade (Adrian Peterson) or surely in the draft (Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon). With McFadden, the Cowboys feel they have a talented, 27 year old, running back, who was playing on bad teams in Oakland, with not much talent surrounding him. In seven seasons with the Raiders, McFadden played for five different head coaches, and had only two non-losing seasons in 2010 and 2011, when both years, they finished 8-8. 2010 was also the year McFadden had his best season, rushing for over 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games. In Dallas, McFadden will be playing with an established quarterback, a Pro Bowl receiver, and more importantly, an offensive line that has three Pro Bowlers on it. McFadden is also a good fit in the zone running attack the Cowboys like to deploy. He has shown to have good vision and the ability to cut back and quickly get through a hole. He displays patience in allowing his blocking to develop, plus the speed and quick feet to break the run to the outside. Injuries have been a problem for McFadden, as 2014 was the first time he had played in all 16 games of a season. To offset any injury concerns, the Cowboys plan on rotating McFadden with both Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar, in hopes that this will keep them healthy and fresh throughout the year. McFadden has said coming to Dallas, getting acclimated to a new winning atmosphere, and knowing he is playing on a better team has rejuvenated him. Look for McFadden to have a very good year and help compliment the passing attack led by Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and company.