Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

The 2008 NFL Draft was a golden one at the running back position. Two players taken at the position have been to Pro Bowls, and seven of the first 10 backs taken have already compiled at least one season of 1,000 rushing yards. But the first running back taken, Darren McFadden at fourth overall, isn’t one of them. He’s also one of just three running backs among the first 13 taken not to have scored more than five touchdowns, along with Tashard Choice and Ryan Torain. Those players are also the only ones with fewer career rushing yards than McFadden’s 856, and Choice is close, with 821.

So, what happened? Certainly, injuries have played a part, with McFadden missing a total of seven games over the last two seasons. He’s also had to deal with a poor offensive line and one of the worst quarterbacks ever to play the game in JaMarcus Russell, so his shortcomings on the field aren’t entirely his fault. But still, more was expected out of a player that was so dynamic coming out of college and that most figured a sure bet to be a superstar.

However, all is not lost for those fantasy football owners waiting on McFadden to break out. First, he simply has to stay healthy and on the field. That’s a big if, but one worth noting. Should that happen, a couple of key things have happened which may allow him to blossom in his third season. Maybe the most important thing to occur was the jettisoning of Russell and the entrance of Jason Campbell. While no superstar, Campbell is at least adequate, and a certified passing game will help McFadden’s game. Also, With Justin Fargas gone, only Michael Bush should challenge for playing time, despite the fact Oakland added Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett.

McFadden will only be 23 years old when the season begins, so he has lots of tread left in his tires. He still possesses the explosiveness to create huge plays, and he’s also adept as a receiver out of the backfield, having garnered at least 20 receptions in each of his first two years. With health, and a new quarterback, the least we should see out of McFadden is a timeshare between him and Bush. And with that, look for him to get close to 1,000 yards with solid receiving totals and five or more touchdowns. While you shouldn’t draft him as a RB2, don’t shortchange him, either, and if you can get him as a RB3, you should be thrilled. Plus, the Raiders aren’t exactly the team to beat when you look at the most recent NFL Football Odds so you can expect they give their young running back a fair chance to get on track.

 
Have an opinion on Darren McFadden’s prospects for 2010? If so, let us know!

To see more Crystal Balls predictions go here… 2010 Fantasy Football Crystal Balls

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