Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders

July 2, 2009 @ 03:00:00

By KFFL Staff
Edited by KFFL Staff

Darren McFadden | Oakland Raiders | 6-foot-2, 210 pounds | 2nd year

Bye

Run Att

Run Yds

Run TD

Rec

Rec Yds

Rec TD

Tot TD

Wk

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

Lo

Hi

9

179

219

801

951

6

8

40

46

404

465

1

3

7

11

Pros: In his first season, the University of Arkansas product notched 4.4 yards per attempt and caught 29 passes for 285 yards. McFadden is one of the league's finest athletes, with tons of promise in Oakland's zone-blocking rushing design. The Raiders' running attack has finished in the top 10 in each of the past two seasons. The team is expected to expand the second-year back's role in 2009. He has been preparing for it, apparently; he awed onlookers in minicamp with a burst he didn't display much in his initial campaign. Oakland wants to incorporate him in the passing game even more.

Cons: Hype far exceeded results; McFadden compiled 499 rushing yards and scored four TDs in 13 tilts. He had 20 or more attempts in a game only once, in Week 2. He toted the rock fewer than 10 times in eight different games. That's largely because he suffered turf toe in that second game, and it's why he lacked explosiveness. McFadden is a physical specimen, but his body type isn't ideal for his position in the professional ranks. Turf toe can become a chronic issue for initial sufferers. He'll share touches with Michael Bush and, maybe, Justin Fargas.

Fantasy tip: You're looking at a slightly bigger and tougher Reggie Bush. McFadden is a more capable NFL runner, especially in this offense, and he may not catch quite as many passes, but risk is high because of injury concerns and inconsistent performances. On the bright side, the Raiders' rusher doesn't have a history of injury or seesaw game logs yet. Oakland leans on a ground-oriented assault, increasing the likelihood that McFadden will receive steadier work. He's not a full-timer, so he's more of a fit as your flex player. He should be worth the gamble in the fourth round, but you may be able to wait another stanza. You can also pair him with Michael Bush late.

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