Ranking McFadden, Jones among the NFL’s best
Fox Sports ranked the NFL’s running backs today and atop that list is, of course, San Diego’s LaDainian Tomlinson. On down the list, though, are Arkansas’ two favorite sons — Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.
McFadden and Jones, following in the footsteps of their Arkansas 1-2 punch days, are ranked 16th and 17th, respectively, according to FoxSports.com senior editor Roger Rotter. The duo come in higher than some big names such as the New York Giants’ Brandon Jacobs and Pittsburgh’s Willie Parker. Not bad for a couple of guys with zero carries in the NFL, wouldn’t you say?
Here’s Rotter’s analysis of McFadden:
Similar in ability to last year’s top rookie running back Adrian Peterson, McFadden also generated a remarkable college career like Peterson. However, Oakland’s coach Lane Kiffin plans to use McFadden in varied roles like he accomplished with Reggie Bush at USC. McFadden will be both running and receiving to give him the best chance to break a big play. He may not be the proficient inside runner like Peterson, but he offers better receiving skills.
And Jones at No. 17:
The dynamic Jones and his big-play ability are a direct contrast to former Dallas running back underachiever Julius Jones and his lowly 3.6 average. Despite Julius Jones’ struggles, [Marion] Barber still managed to average 4.8 yards per carry last season, indicating a big-play back will flourish in the system. Defenses will be focusing much attention on thwarting the Cowboys’ explosive passing attack led by Tony Romo, Terrell Owens and Jason Witten and stopping Barber’s physical running. Consequently, running lanes will open for Jones to produce big plays as he’ll need only 10-12 touches to produce a solid fantasy day.
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