There is no doubt that McFadden runs too upright and shows a lot of chest, and we all know that is a sure fire recipe for injuries.
However he has incredible vision, cutting ability, power and feet. HE probably can't catch 50 balls a season, but he could easily become a 1,500 yard back that can also pick of blitzers on passing downs if in the righty system.
He is the real deal and I thought a better back than Peterson by far last year.
However the 2008 draft when all the juniors are counted could be very very deep at RB and we could easily pick up a Stewart of Oregon or a Davis of Clemson in the second or third round.
I actually like Jonathan Stewart at RB. He's got the kind of power back build/ability that would be good in combination with Maroney's running style. I'd take Marion Barber in trade from the Cowboys, but I don't think they are interested in trading him. Remember, the back they've shopped around in the past is Julius Jones.
Incidently, I'd take the Cowboys two first rounders and their second rounder in trade for the Patriots top 5 pick. Think about it, while you aren't getting full value where the value chart is concerned, the much smaller contracts you'll be getting in return make up for the value in cap savings. I'd rather spend less money signing two first, and a second, then signing McFadden or anyone else in the top 5 to a $50-56M contract with $24-30M guaranteed.
The guys I like the most for NE, right now:
Kenny Phillips
Rey Maualuga (if he decides to come out)
Jonathan Stewart
Antoine Cason
Jonathan Goff - I want to make sure he is over 240lbs though, as his weight seems to differ depending on the scouting report.
Rahard Mendenhall
Shawn Crable
Jasper Brinkley - if the NCAA doesn't allow him to return in 2008.
Guy's I've been looking at more lately as possible selections for the Patriots:
Jeremy Leman - He'd have to gain some weight (he's listed at 234lbs) to be effective at ILB in NE's system. If he could come into the combine at the same height (6'2", and perform well while in the 245-250lbs range than I'd be all for selecting him.
Quentin Groves (6'3" 249lbs) out of Aurburn as a conversion project at LB. I've seen his speed, and he seems to have decent range, but I'd like to see him go through some LB drills first. From what I undersrtand he's supposed to have 4.43-4.45 speed, and we all know NE has used a lot of college DE's at LB.
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Question: I haven't watched Notre Dame play that much this year. Has Thomas Zbikowski play really dropped off? I watched him last year, and while I didn't think he deserved early round consideration, I did think he could be a 4th rounder. Does it seem he'll last into the 4th or even the 5th round?
