| Player Search | ||
 | ||
 | |  |
| Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 Born: , North Little Rock, AR |
| Profile | Player Notes | Articles | Game Log | Splits | Player Comparison |
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| Player Notes |
|
November 30, 2008 Darren McFadden had seven carries for 13 yards and added three catches for 50 yards in Week 13. Our View:McFadden was averaging nearly five yards per carry coming into the game, but he didn't accomplish much in this contest. |
|
November 23, 2008 Darren McFadden only had 38 rushing yards on 10 carries on Sunday, but he did find the end zone twice. He also had two receptions for 14 yards as the Raiders defeated the division-leading Broncos 31-10. Our View:McFadden hasn't had much fantasy value in his rookie year due to injuries and just not getting enough carries. He's only averaging 10 rushing attempts per game this season and has only three touchdowns on the season. |
|
November 22, 2008 Darren McFadden is listed as probable because of injured toe, according to NFL.com. Our View:The Raiders expect McFadden to play in Week 12. |
|
November 21, 2008 Darren McFadden fully practiced Friday, according to the Raiders' official website. He had been dealing with turf toe. Our View:McFadden should be fine for Week 12 at Denver, and is worth a look as a flex option while backing up Justin Fargas. |
|
November 18, 2008 Darren McFadden left Week 11 feeling fine with no issues related to his long bout with turf toe, and he is hopeful his role will increase going forward, according to the Oakland Tribune. Our View:McFadden practically has fresh legs with only 70 carries of punishment this season, and could be an effective weapon down the stretch while opposing defenses start to get tired and weary. He is worth targeting if dangling on the waiver wire in standard leagues. |
|
November 16, 2008 The Raiders didn't use the Wildcat formation at all Sunday like they were expected to, which the Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones believes is an indication that Darren McFadden is still not at 100 percent. McFadden, who received just three carries, admitted his feet were a bit sore after the game. Our View:This doesn't come as a surprise, as Run-DMC was limited in Friday's practice. It's beginning to look more and more like this will be a lost season for the rookie. |
|
November 15, 2008 Darren McFadden was limited in Friday's practice while recovering from turf toe, but coach Tom Cable expects him to play in Week 11 at Miami, according to the SF Chronicle. Our View:He will see action, but it remains to be seen how much he will cut into Justin Fargas' workload. McFadden should only be considered as a flex option in his first game back. |
|
November 13, 2008 Darren McFadden appears likely to play in Week 11, according to the Contra Costa Times. “Yesterday, a lot of the trainers were telling me I had a different pep about myself yesterday at practice,” McFadden said. “My whole demeanor changed being back out there.” Our View:McFadden is no longer wearing the protective boot and he has been running and cutting without much concern at practice. How much of the workload he will steal from Justin Fargas is unknown though it certainly appears that he will play a role against the Dolphins. |
|
November 13, 2008 Running back Darren McFadden was on the practice field for the Raiders on Thursday, according to the Contra Costa Times. Our View:McFadden has missed time due to turf toe on both of his feet, and he did not practice on Wednesday, so his status for Sunday is still questionable at this point. |
|
November 12, 2008 Running back Darren McFadden did not practice on Wednesday because of a toe injury, according to the Contra Costa Times. Our View:Head coach Tom Cable is optimistic that McFadden will be able to play this weekend. |
|
November 11, 2008 Coach Tom Cable is optimistic Darren McFadden will be able to return to the gridiron in Week 11 at Miami, according to the Oakland Tribune. Our View:McFadden is still dealing with turf toe and his status could depend on his tolerance for the injury. We will keep you posted on his participation in practice throughout the week. |
|
November 10, 2008 Darren McFadden (toe) didn't try to play yesterday and missed his third straight game, according to the Sacramento Bee. And he won't try to use medicine to get on the field. "Nah, I ain't taking no shot," McFadden said. "The last time I took a shot (Buffalo), it made it worse on me, so that's something I'm not gonna do again." Our View:McFadden has been a fantasy disappointment this year, but he could still be a factor in the playoffs. His keeper status should remain unaffected. |
|
November 10, 2008 Darren McFadden missed his third straight game Sunday due to turf toe, according to the SF Chronicle. Our View:The Raiders are not in playoff contention, and won't rush their prized rookie back into action with the risk of making his injury worse. Even when he does return, he will likely be limited, meaning his fantasy stock shall remain low. |
|
November 7, 2008 Darren McFadden was limited in practice Thursday and his status for Sunday's game against Carolina remains in question, according to the Associated Press. He is recovering from turf toe. Our View:The team is yet yet to release a report of Friday's practice, which would give a better idea of his playing status. We will keep you posted. |
|
November 6, 2008 Darren McFadden returned to practice Wednesday after a week off, according to the SF Chronicle. He is recovering from turf toe. Our View:This is encouraging news, but he was still limited. He remains day-to-day and fantasy owners should have a backup plan in case he is unable to return this weekend against Carolina. |
|
November 5, 2008 Darren McFadden will remain day-to-day this week with his toe injury, according to the SF Chronicle. Our View:McFadden shouldn't be counted on to return to the gridiron this weekend against Carolina. |
|
November 2, 2008 Raiders inactives: RB Darren McFadden, QB Marques Tuiasosopo, DB Rashad Baker, LB Jon Alston, DE Derrick Burgess, LB Ricky Brown, OT James Marten, C John Wade. Our View:Justin Fargas should see a steady diet of carries with Darren McFadden (toe) inactive. |
|
October 31, 2008 Darren McFadden missed Friday's practice and continues to sport a protective walking boot for his turf toe ailment, according to the Oakland Tribune. Our View:McFadden is not expected to play this weekend, which improves Justin Fargas' fantasy value in a favorable match-up against the Falcons' 23rd ranked run defense. |
|
October 30, 2008 Darren McFadden has had turf toe in his right big toe since early in the season, but now the talented rookie is dealing with the same malady in his left big toe, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Our View:Apparently, McFadden is wearing Nikes, and the soft bottom of the shoes are an issue. He wore Adidas in college. The paper reports that Nike is looking into the matter. |
|
October 29, 2008 Usually, Raiders running back Darren McFadden wears a protective boot on his right foot, but on Wednesday he had one on his left foot, according to the Contra Costa Times. Our View:McFadden has been battling turf toe on his right foot, but has a left ankle injury as well. His status for the team's game against Atlanta is unknown at this point. |
|
October 26, 2008 Running back Darren McFadden (toe) is inactive for the Week 8 game against the Ravens. Our View:Justin Fargas will start (as usual) and should carry the load against the tough Ravens defense. Michael Bush is now the primary backup. Neither guy is a very strong fantasy play. |
|
October 24, 2008 Darren McFadden practiced on a limited basis Friday and is probable for Sunday's meeting at Baltimore, according to the Oakland Tribune. Our View:This is encouraging news regarding his turf toe ailment, but looks likely to remain on a limited workload, and has a tough match-up against the Ravens' No. 1 ranked run defense. |
|
October 23, 2008 Darren McFadden was limited in practice Thursday and was walking gingerly out to practice both days this week, according to the Contra Costa Times. Coach Tom Cable and McFadden insist it’s no big deal, but considering how the condition can linger and that the only thing that can cure it is prolonged rest, you wonder if he’ll ever be 100 percent this year. Our View:McFadden has been mostly a disappointment this season even though he is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He has just 77 touches through six games. He is not a very good start this week against the Ravens as Justin Fargas figures to see the bulk of the carries once again. |
|
October 15, 2008 Darren McFadden practiced Wednesday, once again without the aid of a protective boot for his ailing toe, according to the Oakland Tribune. he looked as if he was going to be involved in team sessions. Our View:McFadden is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, but coach Tom Cable previously stated that Justin Fargas will continue to start. |
|
October 14, 2008 Darren McFadden is not wearing a boot to protect his turf toe for the first time in three weeks, according to the SF Chronicle. Our View:McFadden is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, but coach Tom Cable noted that Justin Fargas will continue to start. |
|
October 12, 2008 Darren McFadden had eight rushes for 30 yards in the Raiders' 34-3 loss on Sunday. Our View:McFadden's toe was okay, but he couldn't do much to help the Raiders create offense. |
|
October 8, 2008 Earlier reports said that Darren McFadden was practicing without a protective boot, but the Contra Costa Times is reporting that he did indeed practice with the boot. Even though the rookie was still wearing the boot to protect his injured toe he said, "I can do a lot more than what I've been doing." Our View:McFadden was still trying to protect the toe on Wednesday but both the rookie and the team have not mentioned him missing any time. |
|
October 8, 2008 Darren McFadden was seen in uniform during today's practice, and without the aid of his protective boot, according to the Oakland Tribune. Our View:This is encouraging news that he shed the boot, but it remains to be reported how much the Raiders' prized rookie will actually participate today. We will keep you posted on his status. |
|
October 6, 2008 Darren McFadden is still sporting a protective boot, and was unable to practice Monday, according to the Oakland Tribune. He is dealing with a toe injury. Our View:Oakland is coming off their bye, so it is a bit of a concern that McFadden did not practice. We will keep you posted on the rookie's status throughout the week heading into Oakland's favorable match-up with New Orleans. |
|
October 1, 2008 When the Raiders took to the practice field on Wednesday they were missing their rookie running back Darren McFadden, who is still nursing an injured toe, according to the Contra Costa Times. Our View:In Week 4 McFadden was limited to only seven carries due to this same injury. Continue to watch the injury reports to see if McFadden will be limited in Week 5. |
|
September 28, 2008 McFadden got only seven carries on Sunday and rushed for 20 yards. He also added two catches for 17 yards receiving. Our View:The limited work was likely due to McFadden's bad toe. We will continue to track his status this week, as he will almost certainly appear on the injury report. |
|
September 28, 2008 Running back Darren McFadden is active this week against San Diego, after being questionable on the injury report this week with a toe injury. Our View:Good news for Run-DMC owners, though, it should be noted that he was probable last week, and dropped to questionable status this week. This could be a sign that the injury is getting worse, so monitor his health status going forward. We expect him to share carries with second-year back Michael Bush today. |
|
September 27, 2008 It is possible that Matt Millen, recently fired from the Detroit Lions, could wind up with the Raiders because he and owner Al Davis are very close, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Our View:That would surely thrill Raiders fans. What else will Davis do? Fire Lane Kiffin and immediately replace him with Scott Linehan? |
|
September 26, 2008 Darren McFadden will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the rival Chargers, according to the Oakland Tribune. Our View:He will receive a pain-killing injection before the game. If he is unable to play, bruiser Michael Bush would make his first career start. The Chargers are ranked 18th in the NFL in run defense, allowing 109 yards per game. |
|
September 25, 2008 Darren McFadden only practiced at about three-quarters speed on Thursday due to a lingering toe injury, according to the Contra Costa Times. Our View:Head coach Lane Kiffin said he was surprised that the toe was still bothering the rookie. But he also said that he doesn't expect McFadden to miss any game time. |
|
September 24, 2008 The Sacramento Bee reports that Darren McFadden was held out of practice on Wednesday to rest his ailing toe. Our View:McFadden said after Sunday's game that his toe was not an issue so expect for him to get 15-20 touches this weekend against San Diego as Justin Fargas is not expected to play. |
|
September 21, 2008 Darren McFadden said his turf toe was not an issue after Sunday's game with the Bills according to the Oakland Tribune. Coach Lane Kiffin talked about McFadden's lack of traction afterwards. "He switched (shoes) three different times,” Kiffin said. “He couldn’t stay up. That was obviously a factor with him and I think at least four times he went to the ground before anybody touched him." Our View:McFadden rushed 14 times for 42 yards and caught three passes for six. He did not get into the end zone. We hope he is correct in his diagnosis and he can once again be Oakland's feature back next week. |
|
September 21, 2008 Running back Darren McFadden (toe) will start for the Raiders against the Bills on Sunday, NFL.com reports. NFL Network ran with the same headline, but their on-field reporter says McFadden is not yet sure if he will start. Our View:Fantasy owners still need to be a bit worried about McFadden, who is wearing a plate in his shoe and is expected to get an injection prior to kickoff. Michael Bush could see just as many carries. |
|
September 20, 2008 Raiders running back Darren McFadden will get an injection to kill the pain in his turf toe before he goes up against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Our View:McFadden will give it a go against Buffalo, but just how effective he is and how much he can play is in doubt. He's an iffy option for fantasy owners, but probably a risk worth taking. |
|
September 19, 2008 Darren McFadden returned to practice Thursday, albeit with a steel plate over his right big toe according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He's expected to start Sunday. "You think you see a guy with turf toe, 'Oh, it's just a toe, he can go with it,'" McFadden said. "Once you get it, you understand why because every move that you make on it ... it's pretty painful." Our View:His number of carries will depend on how the foot responds and holds up on the artificial turf in Buffalo. Look for Michael Bush to play an expanded role with Justin Fargas likely out with his groin injury. The Bills at home are a tough matchup for any running back, so consider McFadden a risky start this Sunday. |
|
September 19, 2008 Darren McFadden is battling turf toe but is expected to start Sunday at Buffalo, according to the SF Chronicle. Our View:His number of carries will depend on how the foot responds and holds up on the artificial turf in Buffalo. Look for Michael Bush to play an expanded role with Justin Fargas likely out with his groin injury. |
|
September 18, 2008 Raiders running back Darren McFadden, who is nursing a turf toe injury, practiced Thursday with a steel plate in his shoe to protect the toe, according to the Sacramento Bee. "It made me feel like I was running flat-footed," McFadden said. Our View:Trying to run with a steel plate under your feet does not seem like an ideal situation, but McFadden will give it a go. With Justin Fargas out, he and Michael Bush will carry the load as the Raiders travel across the country to Buffalo. |
|
September 18, 2008 Darren McFadden returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday while nursing his turf toe ailment, according to the Sacramento Bee. Our View:We won't know exactly how much he practiced until coach Lane Kiffin releases the injury report, but this is a promising sign regarding his status for Week 3. |
|
September 17, 2008 The Contra Costa Times reports that Darren McFadden was seen wearing a protective boot on his right foot, where he sustained a turf toe in a 164-yard effort against the Kansas City Chiefs. Our View:No word yet how serious the injury is, but McFadden appears to be questionable heading into Buffalo this week. If both he and Justin Fargas cannot make the start, Michael Bush would carry the bulk of the load. Buffalo's defense will be very good at home, so don't expect top production no matter who it is that gets the call. |
|
September 15, 2008 It only took Darren McFadden two games to notch his first 100 yard rushing game but late in Week 2 McFadden injured his toe. Due to the injury he could miss practice on Wednesday, according to the Sacramento Bee. Our View:In two games, McFadden is averaging just over 100 yards rushing with a touchdown. We will keep you up to date on if McFadden will miss any other time. |
|
September 14, 2008 Darren McFadden did not play in the Raiders final series in the fourth quarter against Kansas City because he was suffering from turf toe, according to KCChiefs.com. Michael Bush came into the game and all six plays in the series were running plays to him, and he gained 58 yards and scored a touchdown. Our View:McFadden still had a stellar day, as did Bush, who carried a total of 16 times for 90 yards. Justin Fargas was not bad either, with nine carries for 48 yards. There is no word on the severity of McFadden's injury, or if he will miss any time because of it. |
|
September 14, 2008 Rookie Darren McFadden carried the ball 21 times for 164 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders victory over Kansas City. Our View:McFadden, who also chipped in one reception for nine yards, did most of his damage in the second half after Justin Fargas exited the game with a groin injury. |
|
September 10, 2008 Oakland rookie runner Darren McFadden sustained a minor shoulder injury Week 1, but the injury is not serious, and he will practice Wednesday and should be able to go Week 2, according to Sporting News Today. Our View:McFadden hurt the shoulder in the fourth quarter, and it was initially thought to be somewhat serious. Those rumors turned out to be unfounded, though, and he will be on the field Week 2. |
|
September 9, 2008 Darren McFadden sustained a neck stinger in the fourth quarter of Monday's game against Denver, according to the LA Times. Our View:He will be re-evaluated today, and we will keep you posted on his status. |
|
September 9, 2008 Rookie Darren McFadden had a quiet debut in Monday's 41-14 loss to the Broncos, as he rushed nine times for 46 yards and caught one pass for 11 receiving yards. Justin Fargas, who is still the No. 1 back, rushed 18 times for 97 yards. Our View:McFadden wasn't used much, but did average 5.1 yards per carry. He should make an impact this season, but fantasy owners just need to be patient. |
|
August 30, 2008 Despite success over several preseason competitions, the Oakland Raiders have announced rookie Darren McFadden will begin the '08 season as the team's 2nd-string rusher, according to the Associated Press. McFadden was on the field against Seattle on Friday night, taking four rushes for 50 yards in the Raiders' final preseason game. Our View:McFadden has been the shining star for an otherwise questionable offense for Oakland in the early going, and he has put forth a much stronger level of statistical performance than both Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. However, Fargas, the veteran of the group, gets the nod for the starting honors in Week 1. For fantasy owners, there is no reason to get too comfortable with this decision. If/when McFadden gets on the field, there is every reason to believe he will make it difficult to take him off. |
|
August 15, 2008 Darren McFadden came on after Justin Fargas and had a nice game Friday, picking up 44 yards on six carries while adding a five-yard reception. Our View:McFadden looked better than both Fargas and Michael Bush, showing everyone why he is the most explosive rookie this year. |
|
August 1, 2008 Oakland running back Darren McFadden has continued to be impressive in training camp, especially with how well he has learned the playbook, according to ESPN.com. Our View:We keep hearing how well McFadden is performing, and expectations for the fourth overall pick are beginning to rise. Justin Fargas will get his share of carries for the Raiders, but by the end of the year it would not be a shock if McFadden were carrying the bulk of the load. |
|
July 30, 2008 Raiders.com reports that when asked what single player has stood out the most at camp, Coach Lane Kiffin responded, “I think Darren [McFadden] continues to make a play or two every day, a wow play. We just have to continue to push him as far as we can, and we have to find ways to get him the ball.” The Raiders rookie running back is being asked to acclimate to the speed of NFL training camp practices that he never experienced before. “It’s high intensity coming out here with guys flying around at 100 miles per hour,” said Darren McFadden . Our View:So far, so good. Justin Fargas is still getting plenty of first team reps, but look for McFadden to get no less than 10 carries at any point this season. |
|
June 6, 2008 Updating an earlier report, Darren McFadden signed a six-year contract that could equal as much as $60 million, according to NFL.com Adam Schefter. This includes $26 million in guaranteed money. Our View:McFadden was participating in the Raiders' minicamp when the deal was struck. The fact that he was able to square a deal there is a chance now he could become the primary tailback in the offense. |
|
June 6, 2008 The Oakland Raiders have signed their first round pick, running back Darren McFadden . Late Thursday night McFadden reps told the AP that he will report for training camp. Our View:The Raiders didn't announce the deal's terms, but scheduled a news conference for Friday with McFadden. More details when they're available. |
|
May 31, 2008 Reports out of California claim the Raiders and top pick Darren McFadden could have a contract agreement much sooner than later, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Our View:McFadden's agent, Ian Greengross, is scheduled to meet with team officials next week with the goal of reaching a deal before June is over. Last season, the top overall pick, JaMarcus Russell, was engaged in a prolonged holdout as contract negotiations went so poorly that Russell was not officially added to the roster until the season had commenced. This season, McFadden has been open and consistent in his asserted intentions to attend each and every day of training camp, and that would mean getting this deal done quickly. We will update as news becomes available. |
|
May 31, 2008 Reports indicate the Raiders are instructing their defensive players to put full focus on the football and attempts to knock it loose as they test rookie rusher Darren McFadden , according to Pro Football Weekly. Our View:The team is concerned with is struggles to lock his elbows down in an effort to avoid fumbles. McFadden wasn't a known for coughing up the football in college, but rare was the opportunity for a defender to find position to create a turnover when he had the ball. In the NFL, McFadden will see those plays with regularity and thus the team is improving his technique. |
|
May 10, 2008 Darren McFadden didn't handle the ball very much during minicamp, but did look good in limited work, according to the Oakland Tribune. McFadden made a couple of nice bursts up the middle and once was trapped on the outside before breaking free (as defenders are not allowed to make tackles). Our View:McFadden has a knack for gaining tough yards after contact and also excels as a receiver out of the backfield. Justin Fargas was able to top 1000 yards in the Raiders' offense last season, and McFadden will have a chance to excel and post strong numbers as a rookie. |
|
April 29, 2008 The most recent and exciting addition for the Oakland Raiders has wasted no time in making the fans in Cali happy, according to the Sacramento Bee. Rusher Darren McFadden , selected with the 4th-overall pick of the draft, was introduced to fans and press constituents via press conference today, and he was intelligent in his choice of words. Asked about his pending contract negotiations, McFadden got right to the point, stating, "I want to be out there and playing, I don't want to be sitting back. I want to be out there learning. The more time you miss, the less chance you have of playing. I want to be out there, so I'll let my agent take care of that and I feel like he's going to get it done for me." McFadden's agent, Ian Greengross, has told reporters he is driven to get the deal done before training camp. "That's a time where you have two-a-days," Greengross said. "And go through all the specific stuff that you need to learn for your position. At the same time, we'll try to work something out with the Raiders that's fair." Our View:While McFadden seems excited and sincere and Greengross has a wonderful track record for getting negotiations completed in a timely fashion, it may be the ownership in Oakland that should worry fans. A quick review of the headlines involving his franchise over the last year or two will reveal (a) a top draft pick last season that was embroiled in a heated contract negotiation that was not settled until the season had begun, (b) the owner's apparent decision to ask the coach, still on staff, to sign a letter of resignation he had no idea was coming, and (c) threats to leave Oakland and leverage just about every team in the greater Los Angeles area for a new stadium deal. If Greengross struggles to get what his client deserves, remember the immediate past before you yell "greedy rookie." |
|
April 26, 2008 The Oakland Raiders selected Arkansas running back Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Our View:McFadden carries well-documented off-the-field issues, but he’s considered to be the most talented player in the draft. McFadden has blazing 4.33 speed, and should be immediately utilized as part of a timeshare with Justin Fargas, as long as the Raiders can get him into training camp on time. |
|
April 26, 2008 Michael Smith of ESPN reports that Arkansas RB Darren McFadden is going to the Raiders at number four. Our View:It is rumored that DE Chris Long is going at two to St. Louis, and QB Matt Ryan is going at three to Atlanta, making McFadden the best available at four. He would add explosiveness to a Raiders' offense that lacked a pulse in 2007. |
|
April 23, 2008 The New York Jets own the sixth selection in the 2008 NFL draft, and there is a growing belief around the league that running back Darren McFadden is their primary target. The organization is concerned that Oakland (No. 4) might select the dynamic running back, which could make it necessary for them to trade up (the Rams are at No. 2) for McFadden, according to the New York Daily News. McFadden believes he has convinced the Jets he won't be a problem if they draft him, after visiting with the organization for the second time in less than a week. "I feel like if I'm there at No. 6, they're going to take me," McFadden told the Daily News at a promotional appearance in lower Manhattan. Our View:McFadden would certainly add some explosiveness to a bland Jets offense, though he would probably share time with Thomas Jones, if he lands in the Big Apple. |
|
April 22, 2008 The Oakland Raiders have narrowed their targets in the 2008 NFL draft to running back Darren McFadden and defensive ends Chris Long and Vernon Gholston, according to ESPN. Our View:Al Davis reportedly loves Gholston’s speed and athletic ability, and would consider taking him over Long, who is less flashy and disappears less often on game film. At the moment, it's a three-way debate in Oakland. |
|
April 19, 2008 Reports out of New York state the New York Jets have limited their list of desires to be targeted with this year's 6th-overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to two players, those being Arkansas RB Darren McFadden and Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston, and should the pick arrive with both of those taken, they will attempt to trade out of the pick, according to ProFootballWeekly.com. Our View:Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and coach Eric Mangini seem to favor McFadden as the pick of choice, but the decision has reportedly been made to either draft one of those two players or move down. The Jets have spent big dollars in free agency this year and thus may want to be highly selective with that early (and expensive) draft pick. |
|
April 9, 2008 Easily seen as the top running back prospect, and arguably the best player in the draft, Darren McFadden didn't hurt his stock any with an over-the-top performance at the NFL Combine. The tailback ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. Standing alone, this kind of speed is good enough to get a player drafted as a Top-10 pick, but the Arkansas running back is expected to be taken by either Miami as the first overall, or Atlanta who sits in the third spot. |
|
April 5, 2008 Ubertalented NFL fledgling RB Darren McFadden is set to meet with the Oakland Raiders on Monday, according to Yahoo Sports. The Raiders own the 4th pick in the draft and are considered a favorite to select the top rusher in the draft, though head coach Lane Kiffin has suggested the team carries a low level of interest after inking Justin Fargas to a new contract. |
|
April 1, 2008 Because of a surplus of running backs, including the newly re-signed Justin Fargas, head coach Lane Kiffin said the Oakland Raiders likely won't pursue Arkansas running back Darren McFadden with the No. 4 pick, according to ESPN. "[McFadden] is a phenomenal player, but we really don't have a big need at running back," Kiffin said. The head coach also stated the team’s biggest need is along the defensive line making Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis possibilities with the early first-round pick. We doubt Kiffin has the juice to make these statements, so tread carefully. Bottom line… if owner Al Davis decides he wants to draft McFadden, then the blazing fast running back will be a Raider. |
|
March 31, 2008 The New England Patriots are scheduled to bring Arkansas running back Darren McFadden to Foxborough for a visit, according to the Boston Globe. The Patriots' visit with McFadden - scheduled for April 10-11 - should generate a buzz considering that New England has the seventh overall draft choice. |
|
March 30, 2008 The New York Times reports that Arkansas RB Darren McFadden scored a 17 on the Wonderlic Exam. Regardless of what people will tell you, this is not the score NFL coaches want to see from No. 1 draft picks. |
|
March 28, 2008 Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has no plans to package picks in an attempt to move into the top five of the 2008 NFL Draft in order to select running back Darren McFadden, according to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. "I have no intent at all of moving into the top five," Jones said, while also stressing this was not a comment on McFadden's talent, but a fear factor of paying any rookie today's top-five going rate. "A team can get crippled, and I mean seriously crippled, from a financial standpoint by being up there in the top five or six. It's a real negative. Nobody wants in there, and the teams in there, they want out.” There are a lot of smokescreens during this time of the year, but we tend to believe Jones on this one. For starters, the Cowboys have the 22nd and 28th picks in the first round, which is not enough to move into the top 5. Second, this is a deep running back class, and though the position represents a major need, the Cowboys can select a quality runner either late in the first round, or sometime during the first day of the draft. |
|
March 26, 2008 A lot of people wondered why Arkansas halfback Darren McFadden worked out for NFL teams at the Arkansas Pro Day, but the answer has more to do with McFadden getting to know scouts, coaches and general managers better, according to ESPN. Off-the-field questions have made McFadden more receptive to making NFL teams happy by meeting with them and answering any questions. McFadden is likely to go between the fourth and sixth choices in the first round. McFadden, who might be the best pure athlete in the draft, had perhaps the best workout at the Indianapolis scouting combine, and helped himself even more by running a 4.05 short shuttle, fastest of any back in the draft. |
|
March 25, 2008 Arkansas RB Darren McFadden held a brief workout session today from which several stories are coming forth, as reported by Alex Abrams of The Morning News. According to Abrams, Chicago coach Lovie Smith was the only NFL head coach in attendance, though Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was on hand and has been more than happy to discuss his team's interest in the top rusher in this year's draft. The Jets own the 6th-overall pick in this draft and are reported to have met with McFadden on a one-on-one basis earlier this month. McFadden spoke with the press following the workout and addressed, among other things, questions about his character and his decision not to run a 40-yard dash in today's workout. McFadden has been involved in two legal incidents at nightclubs, but rather than dismiss the issues, McFadden claims full responsibility, stating, "I have put myself in a bad situation a couple of times." Addressing the decision not to run, McFadden noted he posted a rather impressive time at the scouting combine and felt that was more than enough to showcase his abilities. |
|
March 19, 2008 Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis is infatuated with Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, according to SI.com. This comes as no major surprise as most mock drafts around the nation have the Raiders selecting McFadden with the fourth pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Davis always has been blinded by speed, and McFadden often leaves a vapor trail when he finds a crease. Last season, Justin Fargas, LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes combined for only two touchdown runs of 10 or more yards and none beyond 19 yards. McFadden is a threat to go the distance each time he touches the ball. He covered the 40-yard dash at the combine in a blistering 4.33 seconds, and in his final two seasons at Arkansas he had at least nine carries of 50 or more yards, including two of 80. |
|
March 19, 2008 The New York Jets flew a contingent of team representatives to Fayetteville, Arkansas to meet with running back Darren McFadden, according to Fan Nation. McFadden, who rushed for 1,830 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, is considered the top player in the draft by many experts. There’s a chance he won't be there when the Jets pick at 1.06 because the Oakland Raiders are reportedly very interested in adding him to their offensive arsenal. |
|
February 25, 2008 Darren McFadden reportedly advised an undisclosed team at the scouting combine that he's in the midst of a paternity suit, and has two children on the way, according to the Journal Constitution. McFadden created a major buzz at the NFL scouting combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds on Sunday, but the issues in his past and present personal life continue to make headlines. There is little doubt that some NFL team is going to make McFadden a wealthy man, but the big question is how we handle all of the off the field issues once he gets paid? |
|
February 25, 2008 Darren McFadden ran an official time of 4.33 at the scouting combine, according to NFL.com. The forty-yard dash time created quite a buzz in Indianapolis, increasing his draft stock, which was thought to be slipping due to character issues. The blazing performance might be enough to propel McFadden into a top 5 draft slot in April. |
|
February 18, 2008 LoneStarStruck.com backs up an earlier report by the Dallas Morning News that the team will not trade up to draft Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. The Cowboys have $10 million left in their salary cap and have to take care of their free agents and draft picks. Fantasy owners in Keeper Leagues that own Marion Barber would like to see the team use him as the primary running back and offer the ex-Gopher 350 touches in 2008. |
|
February 14, 2008 Arkansas junior RB Darren McFadden won't run at the scouting combine in March. The Dallas Morning News reports that the expected top running back in the NFL draft hasn't decided whether he will do anything physical. Rumors continue that the Cowboys are interested in trading up to add the Arkansas All American to the team's backfield. The addition of a first-round running back this winter, would seriously diminish what is expected to be a big fantasy campaign for new starter, Marion Barber. |