Combine wrap: McFadden regaining elite status -- real fast
Congratulations to Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. He just made himself millions.
The top running back in the 2008 Draft, McFadden was one of the big winners in this weekend's NFL combine workouts. Officially, he ran a 4.33 in Sunday's 40-yard dash; unofficially, he flew through at 4.27 seconds -- second only to Chris Johnson's astonishing 4.24.
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| Some said Darren McFadden was slipping. This week tells a different story. (AP) |
He is what everyone thought he was, which is one of the most talented -- if not THE most talented -- players in this year's draft. There had been suggestions that McFadden might be edging down some draft boards, but tell that to his audience Sunday.
"He was great," said an NFC scout. "But you know something? There are a lot of running backs who did well. There were six or seven who had terrific days. These are guys who can run the ball, who can catch and who have decent size."
Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall is one of them. So is Oregon's Jonathan Stewart. And Felix Jones from Arkansas, Jamaal Charles from Texas and Johnson. All helped themselves with solid Sunday performances.
One who didn't was the University of Michigan's Mike Hart, who ran 4.67 and 4.69. In his interview with the media Saturday the 5-foot-8½, 206-pound Hart conceded he had to "have a great week" and "run a good 40."
He failed on at least one account.
"I feel sorry for him because he's such a great guy," said a scout. "But he's 5-8 and 4.7. You can forget him."
At home in Indy
The scouting combine will move to Lucas Oil Stadium, after the Colts' new home opens this year, but it won't be leaving Indianapolis anytime soon. The NFL scouting combine is under contract to stay here through 2010. With the city's new convention center scheduled to open by 2011 the NFL will review the situation, trying to figure out if it wants to expand its combine activities to that building. Bottom line: The combine is here to stay.
Not a good showing
One of the biggest losers was University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson who struggled horribly with his passing Sunday. Johnson is the guy who threw 43 touchdowns and one interception this season and was touted as a potential third-to-fourth-round pick.
Not anymore, he's not. Every one of his passes wobbled.
"And they got worse with each throw," said an NFC player personnel director. "He was terrible. I'm going to call (former coach) Jim Harbaugh and ask what the heck happened. He has a lot of work to do to redeem himself."
