Anthony McFarland Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’-8”
Weight: 208 pounds
School: Maryland
NFL Combine Performance Data
40-Yard Dash: 4.44 seconds
Vertical Jump: 29.5”
Broad Jump: 116.0”
Anthony McFarland 2020 NFL Draft
After three years with Maryland, running back Anthony McFarland is bringing his talents to the NFL level. An ankle injury partially limited McFarland throughout the 2019 season, but he still managed to make a positive impact for his team. As a redshirt sophomore, McFarland recorded 614 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 114 attempts, good for 5.4 yards-per-carry. Additionally, McFarland added another 17 receptions on 23 targets for 126 yards.
McFarland initially joined the NFL ranks as a four-star recruit out of Hyattsville, Maryland. Considered one of the best running back prospects in the nation, McFarland received interest from programs such as Alabama and Georgia but ultimately settled on his home-state school. After redshirting through 2017, McFarland earned a major role in 2018. During his first year on the field, the Maryland native recorded 1,033 yards and four touchdowns on 131 attempts (7.9 yards-per-carry) to go along with seven receptions for 73 yards on nine targets.
Strengths
- Fantastic straight-line speed that could produce big gains if given rushing lanes;
- Runs with the physicality of a much bigger back;
- Low center of gravity allows him to fall forward and pick up extra yards;
- Maintains balance while getting hit and continues to move forward;
- Able to read blocks and attack the right hole.
Weaknesses
- Small for the position and might not be able to handle NFL hits;
- Only as good as his blocking;
- Not a difference maker in the passing game – only good for wheel routes;
- Struggles to make guys miss and break tackles;
- Struggles in pass protection and won’t hold up to blitzers;
NFL Comparison: Isaiah Pead
Teams With Need at Position: Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans
Projection: 6th/7th Round
Bottom Line on Anthony McFarland
Anthony McFarland is a fringe NFL talent at the NFL’s most replaceable position. He’s facing an uphill battle to ever have NFL relevance, but he has a few traits that should earn him a chance to compete for a backup job. For one, his 4.44 40-yard dash was one of the best at the position and should certainly intrigue a few scouts. If he has the blocking up front, he has the speed to blow past defenders and make huge plays. Additionally, he knows how to follows his blocks and runs with a ferocity you wouldn’t expect from a 5’-8”, 208-pound running back.
That said, most of McFarland’s production is going to be based on his situation. He’s obviously not big, but he’s also not that elusive. Because of this, he’s only going to be as good as his blocking. Most players of his build make their living on passing downs, but McFarland doesn’t project as a huge receiving threat. He doesn’t have the best catch radius or the best hands, and he definitely can’t hold up in pass protection. His fantastic straight-line speed will earn him some NFL interest, but the rest of his game leaves something to be desired.
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