Could Darren McFadden Be Another O.J. Simpson?

At 6'1", 212 pounds, Darren McFadden is the exact same size as OJ Simpson was as an NFL running back. Simpson could, and McFadden still can, run with the wind.

How can I compare McFadden to a Hall of Fame running back?

Because the Hall of Fame running back's NFL career started out the same way.

Simpson came out as the highly-touted Heisman Trophy winner. McFadden came out just as touted, but only with Doak Walker Award and as the Heisman runner-up.

Simpson showed flashes in his first couple of years, but didn't live up to his Heisman hype. Missing seven games in his first two years due to injury didn't help either.

McFadden showed those same flashes and also has not lived up to the hype so far. He missed seven games in his first two years as well.

Simpson was called another Heisman Trophy flop. McFadden is getting the same treatment now, only they use the word "bust."

They were both highly decorated college players. They had good size. They also had moves, vision, and world-class speed.

What is the problem?

Before you guys start suggesting that he move to receiver, they tried that with Simpson.

The both went to horrible teams. Neither one of these men had even solid offensive lines. That's probably why they were hurt a lot in the beginning.

So what happens from here?

With Simpson, things changed and that led to a Hall of Fame career.

Lou Saban was brought in to coach the Buffalo Bills. He went out and got five great lineman and put together a defense to get the ball back.

The results were outstanding. Simpson was able to get through a 14-game season. In his fourth season, he went over the 1,000 yard mark. That was only the beginning.

In his fifth, he topped off his Hall of Fame career with the legendary 2,000 yard season for which he'll forever be known. Well, I guess he'll be known for what he did decades later too. But I'm not going there.

McFadden's story is still being written. Tom Cable was hired as head coach toward the end of 2008. Al Davis has put together a defense that can get the ball back.

Cable is an offensive line coach that is known for his zone-blocking scheme and good offensive line play. Missing have been the players on the line to make it all work.

At this time, two or three out of five isn't bad. Langston Walker came back to Oakland last season and played well in relief of injured Robert Gallery.

It looks like Walker will start at right tackle this season as Gallery returns from injury. If he stays healthy, Gallery will see a Pro Bowl sometime in the not so far future.

Khalif Barnes is the "or three" in this deal. He looks to be headed to right guard, but I wish he could have another shot at left tackle if the Raiders can't make another pick-up.

One thing we in Raider Nation want is for McFadden to get started this year (his third), and not his fourth as Simpson did. Obviously, other factors will decide (offensive line).

Is this the rough start to a legendary career or confirmation that he is a bust?

To me, it depends on what is done about the offensive line.

Right now we can't see a 2,000 yard season in his future. Michael Bush will be the "RUN" to his "DMC" as they split carries. But they can both reach 1,000.

But who knows?

Chris Johnson pulled of the ultimate solo performance last season.