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Post-Combine Scouting Reports: Christian McCaffrey

By Carl Cockerham

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) catches a pass and rushes for a touchdown against the USC Trojans during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) catches a pass and rushes for a touchdown against the USC Trojans during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Strengths

McCaffrey’s ability to change a game rushing, receiving and returning is his biggest strength. As a runner, McCaffrey has great vision and patience, able to see small holes as well as big ones. The vision is natural but it usually takes a few of years in the NFL to develop the patience.

He’s also elusive, able to jump cut or plant his foot in the ground to make defenders miss. And like Marcus Allen back in the day, he simply turns his body in order not to give up big hits. That’s why he survived 745 touches over the last two years at just 5’11”, 202 pounds in the Pac-12.

His 10 reps of 225 pounds isn’t great but he has great strength is in his legs along with balance. He takes glancing hits on the shoulders and hips then drives for extra yardage. According to Pro Football Focus, McCaffrey averaged 3.3 yards per carry after contact.

As a receiver, he’s a weapon out of the backfield, in the slot or out wide. LBs can’t cover him deep or make the tackle in space on the short, check-down passes. And of course, McCaffrey has the speed to finish the play in the end zone (more on that later).

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