Written by Bucky Brooks at NFL.com
Despite shredding the record books as one of the most explosive all-around playmakers in college football history, Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey’s draft stock is volatile.
As a versatile playmaker with a dynamic game and a sterling career resume, McCaffrey is revered by some coaches and scouts. In their minds, he’s a game changer with the kind of big-play ability that energizes the offense whenever he steps onto the field. Although they might have some concerns about his ability to carry the load as a full-time starter, they point to his 731 career touches (rushing attempts/receptions) over a three-year career (25 starts) as a testament to his durability, toughness and stamina as an RB1. They also suggest that his 19 career games with 20-plus rushing attempts suggest that he is more than capable of toting the rock as a feature back at the next level.
On the other hand, McCaffrey’s critics question whether the 6-foot, 205-pound playmaker is anything more than a change-of-pace back at the next level. They view him as a third-down weapon capable of making his impact as a receiver/returner in certain systems. Although those skeptics appreciate his versatility and playmaking potential, they see him as a niche player who needs to be in the right system to be a difference maker as a pro. While most players are viewed in that light, the devaluation of the running back position makes it hard for some evaluators to slap a big grade on a prospect who’s viewed as a rotational player in most backfields.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at McCaffrey’s game and potential at the next level.
What I’m hearing
“I’m not saying he is the best back in the draft, but I believe he can be a star in the right system. In a place like New Orleans or New England, he could be a headache because the play callers would use him all over the field to create mismatches. … Not that he is strictly a system guy but there are some coaches in the league who understand how to maximize his talents as a versatile playmaker.” — NFC scout
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