There is no question Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is the most fascinating prospect heading into the upcoming NFL draft.
McFadden looked like a potential No. 1 pick last week in an outstanding NFL combine showing. Highlighting McFadden’s big-time performance was his 4.33 40-yard dash time. On hand-held timers, McFadden was clocked in a silly 4.27. Add McFadden’s size, athleticism, speed and his college production, and he looks like a sure thing.
In this copycat league, teams will be looking to catch a star back, as Minnesota did last season by taking Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson with the seventh pick. McFadden was as productive as Peterson was in college, and he had a better combine.
McFadden has some off-field issues that will make some teams tense. Still, his on-field prowess will make him a candidate for the top pick. In fact, there has been talk that Dallas owner Jerry Jones is enamored of his fellow Razorback and is ready to throw the house at Miami, which holds the top pick, for the right to pick McFadden.
Whether it happens or not, McFadden is clearly the player to watch as the draft drama unfolds.
Is Bush the answer?
The Raiders are hoping to get a boost from running back Michael Bush.
The team took a flier on the former Louisville star with the first pick of the fourth round last year. Bush missed his entire rookie season after having a rod put in his leg after a college injury. The word is Bush is healthy and has a chance to share time with the newly re-signed Justin Fargas.
Bush’s health could mean the end for Oakland veterans LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes.
Another chance.
The Jaguars hope receiver Troy Williamson gets a new lease on his NFL career working with assistant head coach Mike Tice.
Tice drafted Williamson, the Vikings’ main compensation in the Randy Moss trade, with the seventh overall pick in 2005. Tice was fired by Minnesota after the season and Williamson was a failure under coach Brad Childress. Tice had no qualms in pushing for the trade last week with the Vikings.
Around the league.
Rumors persist that the Lane Kiffin and Al Davis drama will result in Kiffin not being with the Raiders this season. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan or new receivers coach James Lofton could be quick, in-house fixes for the Raiders if that emergency arises. . . .
Some scouts were discouraged by a slow 40-yard time by USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis at the combine, though he is still expected to be a top-five pick. Ellis was ultra-productive during the season and stood out as the best player at the Senior Bowl. His slow time will not be a detriment. . . .
Many scouts believe Colorado linebacker Jordon Dizon, who did well at the combine, could attract interest from Indianapolis late in the first round. . . .
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently met with a group of players who expressed an interest in moving the Pro Bowl from Hawaii. Goodell is in favor of it, and the league’s contract with the state ends next year. If moved, the Pro Bowl could rotate back to Honolulu every three years. . . .
People close to the situation said many San Diego players who were skeptical of coach Norv Turner early in the season have bought into his program, after he took charge and righted the ship late in the season. . . .
During the season, many college scouts were excited about the crop of linebackers, but now it looks like an average group. . . .
Many in the NFL believe Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, who’ll retire as a coach after this season, could someday return as a general manager or president of a team a la Bill Parcells.
