Regardless of where D-Mac lands in the 2008 NFL draft, one things seems certain at this point, he will be the top pick in the majority of Dynasty rookie drafts next season. So what is the scoop, is this kid the next Adrian Peterson or the next big bust? Or like most prospects, does the truth lie some where in between? McFadden is an explosive runner who possesses amazing versatility and could be a creative offensive coordinator's wet dream! McFadden also runs with an upright running style that has caused problems for some runners in translating their game to the next level. So which side of the fence do you stand on?

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I'm all for anyone who is as likely to throw for a TD as run for one

I think he will be reality if he can land on the right team with the right OC who understands his abilities and can gear the offense to suit his abilities. I am not sure if he is an every down back or not but if you can team him up with a big tough punishing runner I think he will do well.

Depends on where he lands. Miami? Detroit? the Jets?

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2008 Black Knights Football - 12 wins isn't enough

it will depend on how a team uses him. if he can end up in a situation like bush or AP i think he will be awesome... maybe better than either of those two. but hes pretty fragile and i dont think he can hold up consistently to the nfl beating and will spend a lot of time on the injured list and ultimately cost him his speed.

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If he can be coached, and willing to learn, he will be a monster at the NFL level. He will have to learn to lower his center of gravity, or as mentioned, he will get hurt, and often. I think he will be just fine.

In the past two years, we have had two running backs come into the NFL being crowned hall of famers before ever playing a down.

Reggie Bush - has not shown that he can be a running back at the NFL level. Great change of pace guy, great guy to use as a returner maybe, but he appears to be uncoachable and unable to learn how to run between the tackles. Athletic ability can only take you so far.

Adrian Peterson - running style is going to get him killed unless he can quickly learn to adjust it. He was an injury risk before he ever got to the NFL, and got damn lucky that his knee didn't get crushed in his first season. There is no law against avoiding contact in this game, Peterson needs to learn that. I think the coaching staff is well aware of his deficiencies, and they were well on their way to working him into the offense slowly. Pressure to increase his playing time took over, and he quickly got hurt.

When I look at McFadden though, I see visions of Ladainian Tomlinson. Great athletic ability, but at the same time, great vision.

I think he's the real deal. After seeing what AP can do, despite his running style, I have no doubt that D-Mac can do the same sort of thing.

Darren has qualities that help and hurt him here. He may be fast, but speed alone does not translate into success, just ask Bush. E. George wasn't fast, and neither was Earl Campbell, but they were 2 great backs. Eric Metcalf was a burner, but would you consider him a great back? His upright running style is going to cause him to get laid out by NFL Linebackers. Remember, in college football, speed alone is enough to make you a star, but in the NFL, everyone has speed. No more facing a 6 foot 225 linebacker who runs a 4.9 40. No, no, we're talking 6'4", 255 lbs linebackers who run 4.6 40's and would love nothing more then to pop a number 1 picks head off as he tries to turn the corner. His success will be determined by his ability to adapt and to learn. He has to understand quickly that school is over, and simply being faster then everyone else won't cut it. I see all the potential of a draft day bust here, but if he's willing to learn, and willing to adapt his play, then he could be a solid NFL back. But personally, I won't be reserving his spot in the hall.

I seem to remember a lot of people stating the same injury-prone argument about Peterson, and while it was something of a factor, it was only minimal.

Although, I do pretty much agree with everyone else here. Run DMC's success will be determined by the team he goes to. But with a decent O-line and another back to split the carries with, this guy has all the makings to be a complete monster.

it was a big factor with AD though, at the draft and during the season, and im pretty confident it will continue to be. and DMC was more injury prone.

where do you think the best situations would be for McFadden to land in:

#1 MIA: Is it Ronnie Browns fault or the team around him? And is he worth the 1st overall? I think a QB might make more sense. Would be a commitee situation if it should happen.
#4 OAK: I could see this happening. Not a great situation for DMac imo.
#6 NYJ: Thomas Jones wasn't awfull... but the QB play was. Another team that has much higher priorities than RB. Another commitee situation none the less.
#7 NE: They do like tandem RB's with Maroney. Is Sammy Morris under contract for next season?
#10 NOS: That'd be interesting. Sharing a backfield w/Bush. Don't expect another #1 RB two years in a row.
#12 DEN: Now were talking. T.Henry can take a backseat ala Mike Anderson. Now this would be a very good situation and I could see his value skyrocketing.

I don't expect he'd last much longer than this on draft day, but might we see a team trade up to take him?
PIT or NYG would make the most sense to me. Both would be excellent for McFadden.

I'll call it first:
Giants trade:
the #26, a fourth, and thier '09 1st
to the Patriots for:
the #7 (and take McFadden)

(Patriots take a LB at #26)

1 - mcfadden wont fall that far.
2 - the patriots would never drop down that far for so little
3 - why the giants? they have like 4 solid RBs they can use

he reminds me of peterson in certain ways. so many interesting choices for him to go too. hopefully he goes to a good team so all his talent doesn't get wasted with a team like Atlanta. Saints and Steelers would be an interesting match.

I say the mostly likely scenario is that he winds up in Oakland.

Hard to imagine him dropping that far. Easier to picture is Denver going defense and maybe looking at Jamal Charles a few rounds later.

OAK or ATL for McFadden.

I don't think Oakland goes for McFadden at all. I see them (at least hope) either trading down or picking up Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey.

It's your team so I'll defer. But the last few drafts, trading down was considered the right thing yet the Raiders sit put and take their guy.

It seemed the offensive line played well, and while they could use Dorsey he may not be there. After the way AD turned the Vikings around (commentators never missed a chance to bring up how many teams passed on him), wouldn't Al have to consider him?

Oh you know Al D. wants him, you know he loves his big name prospects. He would definitely be hard to pass up, but I hope they address deeper concerns.

Yes, the o-line played better much to the credit of Tom Cable, but still not up to par. Jake Long would help to solidify that line.

If Dorsey is available (he may be at 3, I doubt at 4) we have to grab him. Run D was horrible this year and with Sapp retiring they need interior help. We put Dorsey at DE and move Kelly back to DT next to Gerard Warren and I think we are back in the top 5 against the run.

Dorsey to DE?? Don't see it, kid is a 4-3 DT IMO, and a damn good one, I would not switch his position.