Mr. 4.27 Seconds = Future Trouble?
There is no doubt in any sensible person’s mind that Darren McFadden has absolutely incredible athletic ability (if you don’t believe me just ask any of the Southeastern Conference head coaches and defensive coordinators who had to gameplan for him).
Like the top running back from last year’s NFL Draft, Adrian Peterson, McFadden has rare talent many other running backs only can wish for. Like Peterson last year, McFaddon is showcasing those abilities at the NFL combine, where he ran his 40-yard dash this weekend in a reported 4.27 seconds (his second attempt was 4.33 seconds). And like Peterson last year, McFadden will be the first running back drafted on April 26th (somewhere in the top 5).
However, unlike the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year and Pro Bowl MVP out of the University of Oklahoma, who has repeatedly shown he is “a bright, articulate and classy young man as well as a terrific football player,” questions about McFadden’s character are starting to become as numerous as the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs.’
McFadden is currently battling a paternity suit, and according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, McFadden “told a team during an interview Saturday night that he has two children on the way.” Add in two altercations outside of night clubs (one in July 2006 and the other last month) as well as allegations (that were later retracted) that agent Mike Conley Sr. helped him purchase a Cadillac Escalade, and McFadden’s character has become something that is being questioned by NFL coaches and front office members alike.
The two-time Heisman Trophy finalist rushed for over 120 yards per game in his three seasons while attending the University of Arkansas finishing his career with 4,590 yards and 41 rushing touchdowns. The versatile back also passed for 7 touchdowns and had 3 more TDs either by reception or return.
McFadden also was a two-time All-American and only the second two-time recipient of the Doak Walker Award given to the nation’s best running back every year. Perhaps ominously, the only other player to win the award twice was Ricky Williams while at the University of Texas.
The 6-foot-2, 215 pound lightning fast tailback is believed by some to be the best player in the draft, and there is always the possibility these character issues are being leaked out by a team hoping McFadden’s draft stock will fall just enough for them to scoop him up (if the Patriots are willing to videotape Superbowl practice, who’s to say they wouldn’t leak a little info hoping McFadden will fall to them at #7).
But would I want my hometown Atlanta Falcons to risk the #3 pick on someone who could have the impact AllDay AP had in Minnesota but who also has possible character issues (especially after the recent troubles we’ve had in that department from a certain quarterback to a yellow-bellied coach)…? I’d have to say I’d rather not risk the chance and instead take Glenn Dorsey or Jake Long, whichever is still available.
McFadden will have to answer some tough questions, but alas, someone will pick him. Like all draft picks, there is always going to be risk involved with any possible reward.
If you were a general manager with a top 4 selection in the NFL Draft, would you take McFadden and risk future trouble or would you pass on a possible Rookie of the Year?
Shotgun Spratling
| 2.5 |
March 2nd, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Darren McFadden sure is doggone talented. Any team making such a large investment to get the PLAY should invest some effort in the PLAYER. For goodness sakes, these are kids that could benefit from some guidance.
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:50 am
I completely agree Rex!
On a side note: It appears DMac will not be headed to Atlanta at #3 after the Falcons signed RB Michael Turner today. He could, however, still go third because the Falcons could possibly trade down.