Entering my third year of studying film for The Rookie Scouting Portfolio, I had just finished a year of film study that included one of  the bigger lessons I had encountered in Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. The highly coveted prospect had some raving fans, but I wasn’t one of them. I didn’t see what others thought even after studying a half-dozen games.

It was how I became acquainted with NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell. I read his 2008 Sporting News piece  on Darren McFadden. I was surprised to learn that we had similar takes on the runner. I sent him my analysis on McFadden and this fueled a longer conversation over the telephone.  Parts I, II, and III were a recent conversation. Part IV and this conversation about what goes into evaluating certain positions on the football field are from 2008. Continue reading →