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Where Would McFadden Fit Best?

Filed in archive NFL Draft by Kyle Smith on March 21, 2008

There has been a lot of speculation about Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. Some say he is clearly the best player in the draft, while others say his stock is dropping due to various concerns, mostly about his character. But where would he fit best? We'll look at the top ten teams (assuming he won't drop any further than that), and see how he fits with the personnel already in place.

- Miami Dolphins: There probably is not a place for McFadden here for a few reasons. First of all, they chose RB Ronnie Brown #2 overall in 2005, and he was on his way to a monster season last year before injuring his knee. Assuming he's healthy, he should be the guy again. And Ricky Williams is supposedly on his way back. All of that, and they don't have a QB or much of an offensive line, so Miami may not be the best spot for McFadden.

- St. Louis Rams: The Rams aren't the best fit for McFadden either. They have Steven Jackson, and last year they drafted FB/RB Brian Leonard in the 2nd round, before claiming RB Antonio Pittman from New Orleans, who was the first pick in the fourth round last year. They are pretty set at the position.

- Atlanta Falcons: Again, a crowded backfield. The team just signed Michael Turner to big money, so you wouldn't think they would want to put so much ca$h into one position. And they also have speedy Jerious Norwood, who has shown flashes of being a solid contributor.

- Oakland Raiders: Unlike the other three teams picking before them, Oakland seems like it could be a good fit. Justin Fargas led the team in rushing, and they also have LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes and Michael Bush, but Jordan seemed to fall out of favor with the coaching staff, Rhodes missed part of the season with a suspension, and Bush had major leg injuries in college.

- Kansas City Chiefslinks: Kansas City was dead last in rushing in 2007, because of a porous offensive line and injuries to Larry Johnson. The team certainly has other needs, and Kolby Smith showed something in his rookie season last year, but there are a few things to keep in mind. One of them is Johnson, and how much time he truly has left. Though he signed a big contract last year, he has taken a pounding, and he will be 29 next season, edging ever closer to the age running backs go to die: 30.

- New York Jets: There may not be a better place in the top 10 for McFadden to go than the Jets. The team just spent a boatload of money to solidify their offensive line, and Thomas Jones didn't exactly light the place up last season. And while backup Jesse Chatman is solid, McFadden is clearly on a different level.

- New England Patriots: Though it may sicken people to think of McFadden with Tom Brady, Randy Moss and the rest, it would be a nice spot for him to form a dynamic tandem with Laurence Maroney, if Maroney can stay healthy.

- Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore is another team who spent big money on a running back last year (Willis McGahee), and doesn't have a QB. That said, their depth at RB is not good, so McFadden would be a welcome addition.

- Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are a team that doesn't particularly need a running back. On the other hand, they simply have not been able to keep their guys healthy. But a team with Rudi Johnson, Kenny Irons, Chris Perry and Kenny Watson is set at the position, if they can stay on the field.

- New Orleans Saints: It won't happen, but if McFadden somehow slipped to #10, the Saints should think long and hard about taking him - there's a reason they were the fifth worst rushing team in the NFL last year. Deuce McAllister is nearing the magic age of 30 and is coming off an ACL tear on his left knee and microfracture surgery on his right. Reggie Bush is looking more and more like he's simply a third-down back, as he has averaged just 3.7 yards per carry for his career. And Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas are nice backups, but that's probably all they are.

(Photo: Flickr)


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