posted June 23, 2008 at 16:14 EST in NFL Articles

After the 2007 NFL Draft betting came to an end, everyone was split on whether Adrian Peterson would become the sensation that he was hyped to be. Behind one of the league’s best offensive lines, in a weak division, and plenty of opportunity, Adrian Peterson emerged as one of the NFL’s top-3 tailbacks, winning rookie of the year, finishing second in total rushing yards (1,341) and amassing a startling 12 rushing touchdowns with an average run of 5.6 yards.

Does the same fate belong to Darren McFadden?

The former Razorback certainly has the talent. McFadden finished fourth in the country rushing for 1,830 yards with 5.6 yards per carry. However, many scouts are concerned with his lack of consistent productivity. McFadden only notched 16 touchdowns. When compared to the other tailbacks in the top-10, McFadden ranks sixth in total rushing scores. For a guy playing the SEC, who is spelled by another first-round pick named Felix Lopez.

McFadden certainly is peaking at the right time. He’s improved his total yards by an average of 200+ yards per season, and his third year was by far his best. However, McFadden was not the force of nature that we expected him to be throughout the NCAA football betting season. He was undeniably productive, but was he reliable?

Honestly, not especially. However, that wasn’t all his fault. McFadden didn’t have the greatest line in the country, and his quarterback was inconsistent at best. Now he’s stepping in to a backfield where the offensive lines’ only saving grace is their run-block ability. The Raiders ranked seventh in the league last year on rushing offense so McFadden is stepping in to a seemingly favorable situation.

The problem is two-fold. First, Justin Fargas is the starter and he’s proven his worth. Second, Michael Bush, a draft pick from the 2007 NFL Draft from Louisville is fully healthy and ready to roll. Where exactly does McFadden fit in? Well, he’s well behind the learning curve, but certainly the back with the most potential.

On top of that, the Raiders are playing only two teams that ranked in the top-10 for rush defense last year (Baltimore and New England). For a team that is relying on a first-year starter, Jamarcus Russell, and a new receiving corps (Javon Walker, Ronald Curry and Drew Carter), the rushing game will be emphasized. Lane Kiffen bolstered the rushing attack, and made it virtually impossible to stop. Now it looks like they’re not really facing any defenses that can hold the silver and black (rushing) attack at bay.

So can McFadden top Peterson’s numbers? I’m not so sure. They have fairly similar situations, although Peterson was running behind Steve Hutchinson and Tony Richardson and was far more explosive than everyone thought.

I will ensure that the props department has a future up on this soon, but for my money, I love the idea of McFadden topping Peterson. Fargas finished last year 15th overall with 1,009 yards. If you don’t believe that McFadden has that potential, than you’re insane. The only thing that is faster and more impressive than McFadden on the field, is his ability to father children.

If Fargas can pummel out 1,009 yards behind a once-tattered offensive line, than there’s faith from me that McFadden can do far more in his rookie season than anyone could believe. A 1,500 yard rookie? Possibly. Just don’t say you weren’t warned.

I can’t believe I just wrote a positive article about the Oakland Raiders. Is it the weekend yet? I must be going crazy.

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