NFL Running Backs to Regain Their Draft Value in 2015

Jun 16, 2015; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) runs with the ball during minicamp at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2008 No. 8 Overall

Darren McFadden may have been in the NFL for seven years but he can still help the process here. McFadden was taken No. 8 overall and has been injured for most of his roller coaster career. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2010, then was hurt in 2011 while running at an NFL MVP level.

And since then, he has averaged a little over three yard per carrybut finished 2014 healthy for the first time in his career. In 2010 and 2011, he did lift the Raiders to back-to-back 8-8 seasons despite not having a great offensive line or offensive personnel period. Now, he’s with the Dallas Cowboys, where he’ll run behind the best offensive line and great offensive personnel.

A productive year for McFadden would show that he was caught in a dysfunctional situation in Oakland. Demarco Murray had a 1,800 yard season last year but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones let him walk, knowing he wasn’t special. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry behind that offensive line when special back would average 5-6 yards per carry.

So McFadden has to average somewhere in there to prove he’s better than a third round pick (Murray).

Next: He's Coming!