On the ESPN conference call today promoting this weekend's draft coverage, Ron Jaworski, asked about the Jets taking Darren McFadden, said he thought there was, "a very good chance that could happen."
"[McFadden] has been all over the board," Jaworski said. "Some guys love his game, some don't like him at all."
His impression?
"Tremendous speed and quickness when you get him in open space," Jaworski said. "[but] I don't see a powerful back who can run over people."
For that reason, Jaworski differed from those who have compared McFadden to Adrian Peterson. Jaworski didn't say it but by his description of McFadden, it sounded like the player Jaworski most saw in the Arkansas running back was Reggie Bush.
"He's going to have to go to an offensive system that will get him the football in space," Jaworski said.
Also of interest on the conference call was Jaworski's prediction for who he thought would have this year's "death wait" [my expression, not Jaws'] in the Green Room, ala Brady Quinn last year.
"Vernon Gholston," Jaworski said.
Comments (15)
Jaworski also once said Kellen Clemens was the best quarterback of the 2006 Draft. But now that I think about it: Matt Leinart, Vince Young, Jay Cutler, Omar Jacobs, Brodie Croyle he may, and I hope he is, right.
I'll be disappointed if he's NOT right about Gholston....
I really hope the Jets can trade down but it takes two to tango. If Ryan is still on the board, there's a chance they can make a move with Baltimore. At that spot, the top corners look more enticing. I'll defer to the Jets as to which one they like best. Leodis McKelvin certainly seems like a gamer.
Hey Erik, any substance to rumor being reported on Jets Confidential that if Ryan is around at #6 the Jets would take him and ship Chad to Baltimore for a 2nd rounder. GO JETS!!!!
Hey Erik,
Nice posts! Interesting how jaws felt Gholston could be the guy who waits a while in the green room. If he does, I see the Jets trying to make a play for him or moving down.
On McFadden, if from Jaws's conference call that mcFadden would be a guy who you need to get the ball in space, then he would not be a good fit for the Jets being that if Chad is the QB, it would be tough to get McFadden the rock in open space.
I think I would like to see the jets try to entice harbaugh and Newsome in Baltimore into trading some mid-round picks and flip-flopping to pick Ryan.
Mike
ps, with Jaws thinking Gholston will be Quinn, is it a coincidence that they have both spent time in Ohio? just kidding, I said that because I read your bio that said you hail from the Buckeye state
Ben, I'd agreed with Jaws when he said it. I still think Clemens, in the right situation, will be a good QB. But Jay Cutler has been the best of the group so far. He's probably overlooked because the Broncos have fallen off. But in a season and a half, he's got an 88.2 QB rating (29 TDs, 19 INTs and a 62.6%). He's done that behind a deteriorating offensive line and without a consistent running game or a star receiver. All he had last season was Brandon Marshall, who was just emerging. I didn't like him coming out because he had a bad throwing motion (and didn't put up numbers in college), but Shanahan's fixed that.
Now I'm gonna play scout...
Agreed with Jaws and Todd McShay on McFadden, too. Great college running back but he's extremely overrated as an NFL prospect. Great straight-line speed, but he's got no moves or start-stop. He was running behind a line that opened huge holes (Felix Jones ran for something like 9 yards per carry) and gave him space to run straight off tackle and just outrun the defense. That won't happen too often in the NFL. He's not at good running inside, changing directions or making people miss. The comparisons to Adrian Peterson are way off. If you can YouTube clips of Peterson, even at OU, you'll see the sick juke, stutter steps, amazing burst, cutbacks and a nice spin move. McFadden ain't got that. I wouldn't compare him to Bush, either. Reggie is quicker and more agile. The similarity is they're both really fast and like turning every run into a sweep off tackle (which has hurt Bush in the NFL). Another thing that should worry teams is DMC's got more of a wide receiver build. He weighed 211 at the Combine - which isn't great for a 6'1" back who runs upright - and it's all upper body. He's got the skinniest legs of a RB I've seen since Cadillac, who's had leg injuries. Todd Pinkston legs.
Jeff, I agree with you about trading down. Maybe even trade down into the teens and get two extra picks (a second & a fourth?). They've still got several needs and there probably won't be a can't-pass-up star at #6.
I don't see anybody worth trading up for that fits our defensive schemes. Trade down and stockpile picks. This is a deep draft and we have no 3rd round pick.
I would love to see Dallas trade 2 No. 1s and a No. 3 with us in order to move up and pick McFadden, if he's there.
The Chiefs traded J Allen to the Vikes, so they will probably draft either Long or Gholston, whoever is left after St. Louis picks. That means Ryan will most likely be sitting at #6. Jets either draft him or trade down. This is getting fun.
I disagree with Jaws on Gholston. When was the last time a defensive player sat for long in the green room? Worst case, he's gone by Baltimore.
I'm starting to believe we could get Ryan...or Long. I don't want to see McFadden. He just doesn't seem to fit into the Jet's philosophy of character first.
I'm not ready to throw in the towel on Clemens yet...but I have it in my hand. Let's see what he does behind a line and with an offseason of watching film/coaching.
Question:
Do any of these newbie players ever hire former players to coach them before the draft or even after they join a team? Not every team has great coaching, so I wonder if players ever take it upon themselves to improve on their own time by hiring retired players to coach them?
Jaws is nuts. I am an Arkansas alum (biased I know) and this kid can flat out play. He's a FOOTBALL PLAYER. I promise you, the Jets will not be disappointed.
Look at this guy!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=E614oMO0tp8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SY0HOnA5P0I
Must read for Jets fans -- McFadden's character and performance.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/22/nfl-draft-profiledarren-mcfadden-rush-to/
Those opposed to drafting McFadden are idiots..saying all he has is straight line speed? Ludicrous. 3rd all-time leading rusher in the SEC!!! Good grief. You don't put up his numbers in this conference without having incredible vision and toughness.
JC, those two highlights show him running off tackle and no one defenseman in the backfield. Show me highlights of him breaking tackles.
At work so I can't search youtube very often. His performance against Tenn in 2006:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXn7-bWQynA&feature=related
The whole, "he can't take a hit" argument is bunk. He had countless direct snaps from the center (see Wild Hog formation) where he gained HUGE chunks of yardage. That shows vision and the ability to take hits.
His performance against LSU last year should have sold everyone. 32 totes for 206 yards against an extremely talented defense...one that will send at least 5-6 players to the NFL.
I'm not sold on McFadden. I think the Jets are better served trading down and grabbing Stewart, if they want a RB
Over the past three seasons McFadden led all NCAA RB's in fumbles.
The last RB the Jets took at the top of draft couldn't break tackles and was benched as a rookie for too many fumbles. If the Jets take MCFadden it will be like Groundhog Day:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CEEDA1539F933A25751C1A967958260