Agility drills and absence of character concerns highlight McFadden workout

Originally Published: March 25, 2008

Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay breaks down the pro day workouts of RB Darren McFadden and other top prospects around the country.

Email Share

STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME Become an Insider Today

By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive

Arkansas RB Darren McFadden finished his three-year career as the SEC's second all-time leading rusher with 4,590 yards in 38 games, second only to Herschel Walker's 5,259 yards in 33 games. McFadden clearly had little to prove at Arkansas' pro day workouts Tuesday, and he understandably opted not to run a 40-yard dash after posting a 4.33 time at last month's combine. McFadden did, however, fill in the blanks in the short shuttle (4.05), three-cone drill (6.90) and bench press (13).

The bench number is disappointing, especially as the average reps for backs at the combine this year was 21 and several people recently witnessed McFadden put up 20 reps. However, scouts really couldn't care less because upper-body strength doesn't have a substantial impact on a running back's ability and 13 isn't an atrocious number. The short shuttle time, on the other hand, is jaw-dropping. In fact, the second-fastest short shuttle time we've seen thus far is Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall's 4.18 at the combine.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

ESPN The Magazine subscribers

Activate your Insider account »
Need more information?

View Insider Benefits »

ESPN NFL Draft 2008