Anthony McFarland Jr | RB | Maryland
Elevator Pitch
McFarland is an explosive back that could find himself in a nice role at the NFL level. His ability to be elusive and hit the afterburners makes him a prime candidate to be a change of pace back in the NFL. He could develop into more but he is still relatively young.
Vitals
Height | 5-8
Weight | 205
Class | RS Sophomore
Strengths
McFarland is a slippery running back he does a great job making defenders miss in the open field. Not an easy guy to keep your grasp on. After eluding defenders in the open field, he has the burners to make a house call. Just ask the Ohio State defense in 2018 when he made three runs of 50+ in that game alone.
He can also be dynamic with the ball in the air, especially on wheel routes. Defenders have a hard time keeping up with him. A linebacker drawing the assignment are going to have a rough afternoon. Shows the ability to track the ball and make a big play down the field.
Weaknesses
Despite his ability to slip defenders, has below average contact balance. Not a back that will power through arm tackles. He needs to use his athletic ability to evade tackles rather than pure raw power. Also the fact that he had leg injuries in high school and college that could be a bit concerning based on what the medicals say.
His frame may prevent him from being an every down back at the NFL level. Not a back that will be able to consistently hold up in blocking situations. If he is on the field in passing situations, he needs to be running routes.
In the run game, McFarland needs to do a better job of allowing his line to create lanes and trust the process. He has a quick trigger to not see the hole and bounce it to the outside. Teams who are able to set the edge will snuff that out relatively quickly.
