When evaluating incoming players, a team looks not only at performance and scouting, but also at how the player would fit the team's offensive or defensive philosophies. A run-first team might bypass a stud wide receiver prospect if an equally impressive lineman or running back is available.
Thus, I wanted to take a look at how two of the hottest names on Oakland mock draft projections would fit into our system.
Darren McFadden
McFadden is what the Raiders had hoped Justin Fargas would become: an explosive threat that can score from anywhere on the field. Unfortunately, Fargas lacks the shiftiness, vision, strength, and health to become an elite runner.
The 28-year-old Fargas has been plagued by injuries throughout his college and professional career. McFadden comes with a clean bill of health after playing in the very tough SEC.
What McFadden would bring to the Silver and Black table is the speed, vision, shiftiness, and strength to score from anywhere on the field. In the 10 years that I have been closely following college football, I have not seen a running back with the breakaway speed that McFadden has.
Furthermore, the 6-foot-2, 210 pound McFadden brings with him reliable hands that make him a dual threat unparalleled by any of Oakland's current runners. As a bonus, he also brings that "star" aura that Al Davis, the Raiders marketing department, and the NFL all love.
Scout.com isn't known for being pie-in-the-sky, yet the serious football scouting source states that McFadden is the "best RB to enter the draft in the past two decades...breaks secured tackles and finishes his runs...[and is] a difference maker in every sense of the word."
McFadden perfectly fits the Raiders' one-cut running scheme. He is a multi-purpose weapon that Lane Kiffin's offense is designed to implement—an offense featuring a heavy dose of runs, screens, and passes to the backs.
His ability would take pressure off JaMarcus Russell, give Russell another dependable weapon, and prolong drives that help keep the Raiders run defense fresh. McFadden and Bush would team up to give Oakland weapons at the running back position that the Silver and Black have lacked since Charlie Garner and Tyrone Wheatley were havocking their way into the playoffs.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Any warts? Of course, everyone has them.
His off-field issues have been discussed before, though they pale in comparison to some of the misbehaviors of other NFL players. McFadden admitted during the combine that he has two illegitimate children. He also was involved in a bar altercation in the middle of 2006. I just don't see either of these two events as red flags.
Overall, McFadden is meant to run in our one-cut zone-blocking system. He is tailor-made for a USC coach who loves running the ball and throwing it to the backs.
He would bring a buzz to Oakland that even top pick JaMarcus Russell could not. Do you pass on a possible almost probable superstar who gets 25 attempts a game to directly influence its outcome?
As much as I like Fargas and am excited about Bush, I will state that Fargas averaged just 3.5, 2.7, 3.8, and 3.4 yards per carry against the Bears', Vikings', Packers', and Colts' defenses respectively. He got fat against the Dolphins, Texans, Chiefs, and Broncos. Those were his 100-yard games. Just food for thought.
I wouldn't want fans pointing at last year's highly-ranked rushing attack and conclude that we're set for 2008. We saw how much that top-ranked 2006 defense that was returning all its starters helped us in 2007.
Vernon Gholston
How does any team pass up a guy with Gholston's measureables and 2007 statistical output? Well, Gholston does seem like a boom or bust player with more bust potential than comparable defensive ends also coming out in this year's draft.
I'll get to those warts that explain why some teams should pass on him. But first, let's look at his strengths.
While Gholston might be getting the workout warrior label this month, he certainly backed it up at OSU with a ridiculously productive senior season. We know he can rush the passer, as attested by his 14 sacks in 2007 and 8.5 sacks in 2006.
Yet what Oakland needs is someone who can also play the run. Can Gholston? Scouting reports state that Gholston is a "terror in pursuit," "has an outstanding motor and excellent range," and does a solid overall job against the run.
The numbers validate the eyes. On runs directed at Gholston's side, opponents netted NEGATIVE 1.7 yards per rush.
Unfortunately, all that praise does not mean that Gholston will succeed at the NFL level. Gholston's private workouts have shown that his 260 pound frame may be an area of concern if your defense plans on having him line up as a 4-3 defensive end.
Scouts have mentioned that Gholston has a tough time disengaging from blockers. He may struggle against bigger NFL linemen when it comes to run defense. He is also a little stiff with his change of direction. Beyond this, the biggest problem seems to be the mental side of the game.
Gholston didn't start playing football until late in his high school career. He has gotten by on athletic ability ever since. At Ohio State, his jobs were to rush the passer and at times drop back into zone coverage. This is why he still needs to refine the parts of his game that separate workout warriors from successful players.
Gholston doesn't react to plays as quickly as you'd like. He doesn't use his hands well to control the action. He can get fooled on play-actions or have inside draws run on him.
I hate to say it, because it can often be a kiss of death with Oakland's unimpressive coaching, but Gholston seems to be a better athlete than football player—at least as it translates into the NFL level. He would be an ideal 3-4 OLB, but it doesn't look like Oakland will be making that transition.
For comparison purposes, Chris Long does not have the strength or speed that Gholston does, yet Long makes up for it with his instincts, play recognition ability, and overall feel for the game. This is why he is slated to be drafted above Gholston and, in my opinion, will have a much better all-around career than Gholston.
Gholston has more bust potential than Long and McFadden. I think he'll go out and get his sacks, but Chris Clemons could also do that last year—eight sacks with only eight starts. That wasn't the problem in Oakland. Run defense was.
Due to the question marks surrounding Gholston's ability to successfully play the run in a 4-3 defense, and because he lacks the elite off-the-ball burst of the Dwight Freeney's of the world, I would give the "who fits Oakland best?" edge to Darren McFadden.
-Alex
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7 months ago
This was a great read and an interesting take Alex. I have seen several games were Dmac would run outside to avoid tackles and once hit in the legs went down like a sack of potatoes. The way you put it in this article is that he is the second coming of Emmit Smith. Sorry I disagree. Gholston doesn't fit our system and Dmac is over hyped I believe we need to go with Jake long, Glen Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis if either of these guys are available. If we had a pick later in the round maybe 10-15 he would be worth picking up. just my .02
7 months ago
Thanks Paul. I would definitely take Ellis if available, and try to trade back into the low 1st / early 2nd round and grab Felix Jones, Jonathan Stewart (who should drop due to his foot surgery), Chris Johnson, or the Texas RB.
That said, I don't think DMac compares to Emmitt at all. Completely different running styles / talents. I think most would agree that DMac is faster than Fargas, heavier/stronger, and more durable. So if Fargas can crack 1,000 yards in our system, is it too big of a stretch to think that DMac could hit 1,300? I think that's easily doable.
True some have shown McFadden taken down at the legs. The thing is, most running backs would also go down. True, he's no Jerome Bettis, but in this system all we want is quick cuts and fast bursts to get 5 yards a pop with the ability to pop a 20-yarder once in a while. Of course with McFadden's speed, those 20 yarders often become 50 yard TDs.
He's not perfect, but that speed (don't underestimate just how incredibly quick and fast he is) and 210-pound upper body strength can do some damage getting outside, or cutting back and only looking at weak-side linebackers, safeties, and corners.
He put up sick numbers against tough SEC defenses. He has the measureables. I don't see where hype fits in.
7 months ago
DMac has measurables, sure. But I'll give you another measureable: the Raiders' run defense sucks.
I'm going to pull out the Baltimore example because... well, I am a Baltimore fan. In 2000, the Ravens' Super Bowl year, the Ravens went 5 games in a row without scoring a touchdown. They won two of those five games. They lost one other game the entire year.
Everyone knows that the most talented player on that team was Ray Lewis. The man is headed to the Hall of Fame after he retires for a reason. But there was something often overlooked that added to his effectiveness: two guys named Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa. During the week, they broadcasted "The Siragusa Show" and just for fun, the two DTs would stand on a scale together and see if they were over 700 pounds. Most weeks, they were, and they were a strong 700 pounds. On every play that they were in, they usually occupied at least three and sometimes even four blockers. Translation? No one was blocking Ray Lewis, which meant that opposing defenses simply could not run the ball.
The Raiders do not have a LB of the same caliber of an in-his-prime Ray Lewis, but their linebackers as a whole are one of the most talented groups in the league. Yet, they don't produce like it... because they are always blocked. Translation? Pick Dorsey or Ellis, even if you've got to move one of your prized CBs to do it. DTs are the missing pieces of the Oakland defense (except on rare occasion when Sands and Warren both show up).
7 months ago
And I meant to say that I really enjoyed reading your article. It is well done, I just happen to disagree with it. :)
7 months ago
justin fargas has been a pleasant surprise for the raiders and i think that they will look to improve other places than somewhere that is already a strength. Ditto for Vernon Gholston, they gave a boatload to Tommy Kelly and throwing even more money into the defensive end position wouldn't make to much sense. That said, it was a very good analysis on 2 players that are high on most peoples boards. Both these players would help the Raiders. But I don't think that they fit what the Raiders need.
Also, check out my article on the Raiders Draft needs.
7 months ago
I'm leaning towards D-Mac. Cable’s run blocking scheme will improve even more and J.Fargas & D.Mac splitting time will be a force to recon with not to mention the much needed rushing attack our young rookie qb will need for play action. With addition of D.Hall we have 2 pro bowl shut down corners that in it self will put more men in the box to stop the run. I’m not saying that’s the answer to run stopping but it has to account for something. Good article Alex. Go Raiders…Reclaim your Providence
7 months ago
Thanks guys. Yeah, I was simply comparing two guys that are hot on Raiders' mock drafts. I am not advocating drafting either, just stating who I think fits best.
As stated in the other comment I left on here, if Ellis or Dorsey was available, I would take either one.
7 months ago
The whole fact is, how many times in the years they played against eachother, did Dorsey tackle McFadden, the answer is eay. If we take Dorsey, The Chiefs take McFadden, were going to get owned by the Chiefs. If we take D Mac, we can finally run All over San Diego, and show them how it feels to get 200+ rushing yards against you.
from 7 months ago
That is a valid point, but you can't gameplan for 4 games out of the season if you're the raiders- yet, anyway. That comes in next year's draft. This year the raiders need to draft overall needs for the other 12 games, not 4 games. They aren't that specialized yet. And the Chiefs, in my opinion, will not take McFadden because their offensive line is too weak. Look for Jake Long if he falls that far, or maybe Ryan Clady if they're going to reach. I'd also say there's an outside chance they'll take Mike Jenkins, but that might be a little high for him as well.
7 months ago
I somewhat agree with you that Gholston may struggle early in his career when teams run directly at him, but you are still getting a guy who is an absolute demon rushing the passer and chasing down anything from the backside. Running Backs & Tight Ends stand Zero chance against him even N.F.L ones. He is also an amazingly dedicated athlete that you can count on to improve. Jake Long will be a dominating Offensive Tackle in the N.F.L maybe better than Joe Thomas as a rookie. Go back and watch that film, Vernon not only got the only sack ever given up by Long in college but got pressure all day and easily won the matchup. He has incredible strength, speed, hands, leverage and intangibles and any team that drafts him will have one 1/2 of what the New York Giants have as far pressure from the Defensive Ends enabling you to get to the Quaterback fast without having to blitz anyone. As far as Mcfadden, good Running Backs are a dime a dozen great ones are worth their weight in Gold. Is McFadden a Tomlinson or Peterson type player I think he may be, if the Raiders think he is than they have to take him.
7 months ago
Good ending there Ron. I believe Davis views McFadden as an elite runner with blazing speed who stays healthy. Oakland doesn't have that right now, and I don't see Davis bypassing a marketable star with track speed. He'll find a run-stuffing DT in round 4, or trade back into the draft to get one, or find one after June cuts. I think it's easier to find a solid, affordable, non-star run-plugging DT than a truly multi-dimensional star running back.
7 months ago
Good Read Alex, I also think it was an interesting take on both players. I agree with your takes on both players except for almost stating that Darren McFadden is the second coming of one of the greats. I think Vernon Gholston will have a nice career and is a tremendous pass rusher who has the ability to come off the edge and make a difference. He is 260 lbs. & as stated teams will run at him but I think he can hold his own and would provide the Raiders with a good pass rusher opposite Derrick Burgess. But it comes down to does Al think Darren McFadden is an elite back and potential superstar that he can't pass on or is solidfying the defensive line the way to go. If Al thinks that highly of Darren McFadden he'll be a Raider. If the decision was mine, which it isn't, I would like to have to choose between Chris Long & Sedrick Ellis. It would be tough decision but I would go with Chris Long. Keep up the good work.
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