DMC = Slot WR

[LawFitz]

Before I get beat up as a DMC lover, let me say that I would rather us draft C Long, Dorsey and even Golston or Ellis or trade down. I'm not convinced that DMC has the physical makeup to be a feature RB and I worry about character issues.

That said, DMC clearly stands out as a tremendous football player. Forget about his forty time, the kid has shown that he can play the game at a very high level.

What I want to know is whether what I've read about his receiving skills is true. Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Arkansas run a gimicky, run-heavy offense. How often did he really catch the ball. Is this facet really a strength?

If his receiving skills are as good as they are being hyped do we end up with him and place him in the USC reggie bush role as a hybrid RB/WR? IMO, Kiffin's comments were either totally legit and mean we definitely will not draft him or they're the opposite extreme, as in he was BSing and we're targeting him all the way.

The only way I can see the latter is if they see this kid as a ridiculous overall weapon that can play slot WR in addition to passing down RB. Run Fargas, Bush between the tackles and DMC everywhere else.

Can anyone comment about DMC as a receiver?

[Live.B.A.Raida]

he is said to have good catching skills BUT he didnt have that many pases thrown to him while playing for Arkansas

[THEROOK]

The key is that he is a very versitile player. He could even play defense. We need more football players on this team. I think if he was drafted by the Raiders Lane Kiffin would find ways to use him like they used Reggie Bush at USC. Also he will be catching a lot of balls like Charlie Garner when he was here.

[Gawdzilla]

I think he could definitely be used as a slot back/RB hybrid player. We could run plays with Fargas, Bush, and McFadden all on the field, and they still wouldn't know whether to defend against an inside run, an outside run, or a pass play. He is a very good player. Whether he is the best RB in the world I don't know, but he is very versatile. A good coach could find effective ways to use him.

[Berkeley Boy]

There's no way you take a slot receiver/RB hybrid with the #4 overall pick. If you want versatility, wait until the 2nd round and take Chris Johnson. He's faster.

[raider2323]

take mcfadden. yes you can take him at #4 because he is the one if not the premire player in the draft. Get Mcfadden

[raidersraider]

Darren Mcfadden Analysis

Here are a few things they said...

"...Has the speed to get downfield in a hurry on pass routes and is fluid and quick getting into his patterns...Understands coverage and where he fits catching underneath throws...Does a good job of reaching and plucking the ball, especially on screens...Natural hands catcher who can snatch the ball outside his frame work...

..Has natural hands as a receiver, but needs to improve extending for the pass away from his frame...Sometimes drifts in his routes and needs to show better cutting ability on his breaks.

...Looks natural with the ball in his hands, as he is a threat running, throwing or catching the ball...

...Willing blocker who shows the ability to pick up blitzes and will chip defenders with good intent and purpose...

...Will take on the blitz and has developed good cut-blocking skills...Will not hesitate to face up and stone the opponent blocking in-line...

...Understands blocking schemes but will out-run his protection at times..."



...Might not be able to always push the pile, but has the functional lower-body strength to stay up, bounce off and execute his lateral range with good quickness...Has that initial step needed to accelerate and get to top speed quickly and clear the holes...

and most importantly, Darren Mcfadden is...

Highly respected by the staff and teammates, demonstrating a solid work ethic...
Highly respected by the staff and teammates, demonstrating a solid work ethic...
Highly respected by the staff and teammates, demonstrating a solid work ethic...


NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - Darren McFadden

[leafs43]

Before the Walker signing wide reciever was our main area of weakness. Even with Walkers supposed health issue our wide reciever core hasn't really gotten too much better.

I don't see why a RB/WR hybrid couldn't work. McFadden out on a flank or in a slot can stretch the field vertically, also being a huge distraction for defenses, allowing Curry to work underneath which is his specialty.

[d-mac37]

McOakland!

[R8RDaddy]

Originally Posted by LawFitz

What I want to know is whether what I've read about his receiving skills is true.

The kid's an athlete, he can catch pretty well.

Originally Posted by LawFitz

If his receiving skills are as good as they are being hyped do we end up with him and place him in the USC reggie bush role as a hybrid RB/WR?

Maybe in some formations. If his receiving abilities are legit, could you imagine DMAC and Bush on the field at the same time?

Originally Posted by LawFitz

IMO, Kiffin's comments were either totally legit and mean we definitely will not draft him or they're the opposite extreme, as in he was BSing and we're targeting him all the way.

Kiffin also made these comments;

"Q: Does the system you run make it less likely to have a marquee name in the backfield?

Kiffin: We’ll never just try to find a big name. We’re going to go to the film. We’re never going to sign somebody because of their stats or because of what they’re supposed to be. We’re going to go off our evaluation. We may find somebody that we think’s really good that isn’t a big name because of the way they fit in the system. But that being said, that doesn’t mean that there’s not a big name guy that’s a really good player that we’re not going to go after because we don’t need a big name guy because anybody can run in the system. No. Anybody can’t run in the system. Some guys can be effective and then some guys can be even more effective and be great players in the system."

Q&A with Lane Kiffin - Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of ANG Newspapers

Honestly, I don't think it really matters what Kiffin thinks anyway. He's made it pretty clear who's making the decisions.

Originally Posted by LawFitz

The only way I can see the latter is if they see this kid as a ridiculous overall weapon that can play slot WR in addition to passing down RB. Run Fargas, Bush between the tackles and DMC everywhere else.

meh. Bush can catch the ball out of the back field pretty well too. He may not take it 80 yards to the house, but receiving is also one of Bush's strengths. I agree that DMAC would bring a different dimension to the offense, but I think it's also important to have HEALTHY playmakers on our team. One of the major problems last year was that none of our backs could stay healthy or on the field. Since we don't know what Bush can do yet, I think our running game is still average at best. Fargas runs hard, but 4TDs and 3 fumbles is not impressive. Jordan's back is messed up... he's history. Bush's wheel is all healed up, but we don't know what his game will be like after being out of football for two straight years. Rhode's IMO is just "serviceable." Although (as a committee) our current backs could do well, NONE of them strike fear in the hearts of our opponents. No reason for a defense to load the box with our current stable of backs. DMAC has the potential to change that. That alone can help open up the passing game.

[cad]

good post R8RDady

that means that does not rule McFadden out

even though he has been quoted into saying we need Dline and running back isnt an issue

but he also did say Randy Moss would be on the team so i take it with a grain of salt

[LawFitz]

This thread has been very insightful. Thank you, guys!

[throwback420]

good thread

[d-mac37]

Originally Posted by raidersraider

Darren Mcfadden Analysis

Here are a few things they said...

"...Has the speed to get downfield in a hurry on pass routes and is fluid and quick getting into his patterns...Understands coverage and where he fits catching underneath throws...Does a good job of reaching and plucking the ball, especially on screens...Natural hands catcher who can snatch the ball outside his frame work...