Dynasty league must-buy: Darren McFadden
Let’s hop in the DeLorean and go back to last year at this time. Calvin Johnson was a no-brainer as a must-buy in Dynasty leagues, yet there remained plenty of skeptics unwilling to pull the trigger. The nagging back injury, the inconsistency, the drop-fest on Thanksgiving, and the lack of surrounding talent had many doubting that he could fulfill his vast potential.
Now fast-forward to this season. Who does that description call to mind?
Darren McFadden was the consensus No. 1 Dynasty league draft pick last year, but there’s been rampant skepticism about his value after a disappointing rookie season. The turf toe injuries, the inconsistency, Justin Fargas’ nagging presence, and a dysfunctional front office have owners sleeping on McFadden right now.
Take note, however, that the Raiders beat writers have been impressed with McFadden this offseason. The Chronicle’s David White can’t understand why he wouldn’t start Week 1 while the Tribune’s Jerry McDonald noted his “touchdown-on-any-play capability” and sure-handed receiving ability. Justin Fargas is not a roadblock to the player drafted at No. 4 overall last season.
What did we learn with Calvin Johnson? The nagging injury that holds back a supremely talented rookie isn’t a long-term concern. It’s an opportunity. Go get him.
Comments
Ya, that's the true knock on McFadden, the lack of post-contact leg drive. But I'd say its safe to say he's seen that video himself. The kid was born in 1987. He's an elite talent at the same time as being one of the youngest players in the league. Plenty of time to correct one bad habit. Here's a lesser-known video where Mayock calls him a top 11 player of all players and iterates in detail his concerns. McFadden chimes in with a good point as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7adYfoCYTI
Posted by: Captain Obvious | May 16, 2009 08:48 AM
Let me guess, Wesseling, you were of the "Adrian Peterson was a good rookie running back, therefore Darren McFadden will be a good rookie running back." school of thought last season.
How did that work out?
When will people realize you can't take what someone in the past has done and apply it to a completely different player on a completely different team in a completely different position with a completely different injury?
Posted by: Failed Logic | May 16, 2009 03:16 PM
The beat writers will likely always be impressed this time of year because fast guys look great in shorts during OTAs. Once the pads are on and the licks are real, though, they (and we) shouldn't be surprised when he ends up being the same overhyped disappointment we saw last year.
Posted by: seizer | May 17, 2009 06:44 PM
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Posted by: Dguhphfo | July 14, 2009 03:37 PM
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Posted by: Dguhphfo | July 14, 2009 03:37 PM
Absolutely right, McFadden now has a knowledgeable Coach, a vastly improved Line and is healthy. One thing about Al Davis, he is willing to keep the stars on the bench when they have a little injury, just ask Tim Brown or Michael Bush, but when they are ready to play...Wow! He takes the naysayers to school year after year!
Posted by: svduran1 | July 23, 2009 09:07 AM
I have SJax, S.Slaton, DeAngelo Williams and Run DMC in a keeper league, and I can keep just three, does it worth the price to keep him over Slaton? the other two are sure bets...I guess
Posted by: JR | August 4, 2009 06:07 PM