Christian McCaffrey is one of three running backs that I have going in the first round this year. His day at the NFL Scouting Combine Friday confirmed that.
For some reason, RB Prospect Christian McCaffrey feels disrespected and said so during combine interviews. But for good reason, all I’ve ever heard about him is how great he. And Friday, McCaffrey distinguished himself, solidifying his first-round status.
He came in at 5’11”, 202 pounds, right on par with what he listed, showing he is as advertised. Not known for his strength, his 10 reps on the bench press weren’t a surprise. Then when it was time to do drills, McCaffrey did what NFL Network’s Mike Mayock called “showing off.”
Many were wowed by Leonard Fournette’s size and speed combo at 6’0″, 240 pounds, running a 4.5 40. But McCaffrey was impressive himself in a different way. He he confirmed his speed with a 4.48 40 and his explosion with a 37.5-inch vertical leap.
And when it came to his football-related drills, he made everything he did look easy. He showed his sweet feet and change of direction skills in ball-carrying drills. And in pass-catching drills, when the ball was thrown his way, it never touched the ground.
McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara and a handful of others stayed after and ran routes from the slot and out wide. And McCaffrey continued to impress with his route-running and hands. The kid just solidified his first-round status while making the athletic part football look easy.
His upside is gaining eight pounds and becoming a bell-cow back that can line up out wide. At the very least, McCaffrey is a solid slot receiver in the NFL so there is no bust potential. Whoever picks this kid will have a good football player that makes the team better in some way!