Spring Break
McFadden headlines list of Hogs in NFL Draft
Brandon Harris
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Sports
For the second consecutive year, a former Arkansas Razorback is a hot item in the NFL Draft.
A year after Jamaal Anderson declared early, exploded onto the draft scene and was selected as the No. 8 pick overall by the Atlanta Falcons, former Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is dominating the headlines. Some draft experts have referred to McFadden as the "best overall talent in the draft," and mock drafts have the two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up being selected in the top five.
The 2008 NFL Draft begins at 2 p.m. Saturday in New York City. The first two rounds will be held Saturday, with the remaining five beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday.
Nine other former Razorbacks have entered their names in the draft: linebacker Weston Dacus, offensive lineman Robert Felton, cornerbacks Michael Grant and Matterral Richardson, defensive lineman Marcus Harrison, fullback Peyton Hillis, running back Felix Jones and wide receivers Marcus Monk and Sean Penix.
McFadden is the only first-round lock, and draft analysts project him as high as fourth to the Oakland Raiders to No. 7 to the New England Patriots. Possibilities in between include the New York Jets at No. 6.
The Raiders recently resigned running back Justin Fargas, who decided not to test the market as a free agent, but few would put drafting another running back past unpredictable team owner Al Davis. No question, McFadden's 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the combine wowed Davis, and before Fargas was resigned, it appeared almost likely that McFadden would be headed to Oakland.
Fargas started just seven games last season, but still managed a 1,000-yard season. Still, it's very much a possibility McFadden could don the silver and black early Saturday.
The Jets are also a possible future home for McFadden. Running back Thomas Jones, acquired from the Chicago Bears before last season, was anything but impressive in his first year with the Jets. But they're also in desperate need of help at linebacker, where their 3-4 defense has struggled most.
A year after Jamaal Anderson declared early, exploded onto the draft scene and was selected as the No. 8 pick overall by the Atlanta Falcons, former Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is dominating the headlines. Some draft experts have referred to McFadden as the "best overall talent in the draft," and mock drafts have the two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up being selected in the top five.
The 2008 NFL Draft begins at 2 p.m. Saturday in New York City. The first two rounds will be held Saturday, with the remaining five beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday.
Nine other former Razorbacks have entered their names in the draft: linebacker Weston Dacus, offensive lineman Robert Felton, cornerbacks Michael Grant and Matterral Richardson, defensive lineman Marcus Harrison, fullback Peyton Hillis, running back Felix Jones and wide receivers Marcus Monk and Sean Penix.
McFadden is the only first-round lock, and draft analysts project him as high as fourth to the Oakland Raiders to No. 7 to the New England Patriots. Possibilities in between include the New York Jets at No. 6.
The Raiders recently resigned running back Justin Fargas, who decided not to test the market as a free agent, but few would put drafting another running back past unpredictable team owner Al Davis. No question, McFadden's 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the combine wowed Davis, and before Fargas was resigned, it appeared almost likely that McFadden would be headed to Oakland.
Fargas started just seven games last season, but still managed a 1,000-yard season. Still, it's very much a possibility McFadden could don the silver and black early Saturday.
The Jets are also a possible future home for McFadden. Running back Thomas Jones, acquired from the Chicago Bears before last season, was anything but impressive in his first year with the Jets. But they're also in desperate need of help at linebacker, where their 3-4 defense has struggled most.
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