....would you take either and why?
That's a tough one for me. McCaffrey is matchup nightmare. I think this kid can do it all. Except for running between the tackles. But he more than makes up for it with his natural pass catching ability. Kickoff and punt returns mean he'll be getting 15-20 touches a game. A legit threat to take anyone of those to the house.
Cook is more of the natural RB whose money will come between the tackles. Crazy burst and cutting ability. Hands aren't exactly ideal, but not the worst I've seen. Off field issues are a concern, but I think teams will overlook those. No kick or punt return skills that are readily apparent.
So who DO you take?
I'd take McCaffrey.
He is not a pile mover is what I meant. I'm sure he is plenty capable of taking the Giants, ever present inside hand off. Blech.
Tough choice.
Think I'd rather a DR or OLB/ER.
Tough choice.
Think I'd rather a DE or OLB/ER. - corrected
Tough choice.
Think I'd rather a DE or OLB/ER. - corrected
Yeah, the fumbling is a concern. You know defenses will tug at the arms a little extra knowing he has the issue.
Cook now seems to be a legitimate option, and as long as everything off the field checks out ok, I'd be fully on board.
The fact is, either of those players would be amazing to have, especially for Eli.
Cook now seems to be a legitimate option, and as long as everything off the field checks out ok, I'd be fully on board.
The fact is, either of those players would be amazing to have, especially for Eli.
If everything off the field checked out, I doubt he would be available at 23.
Ball security baggage
Shoulder injury baggage
Might make him available but combined makes me worry as well. Tough call on this guy. I'll leave it up to the Giants to make it and won't chirp whichever way it goes.
McCaffrey I'd have to take. He's a 'clean' prospect, a triple threat and is the most prolific offensive player in yards from scrimmage in NCAA history. His Combine and Pro Day reinforced everything you saw on tape.
Yup.
Unfortunately, he won't be there.
Unfortunately, he won't be there.
It isn't? Reggie Bush was once the "best back in the draft and it wasn't close."
Nobody cares anymore other than the Vikings...
40 time was only OK. 20 years shuttle and 3 cone were just bad which is scary.
Even with all that in mind, his tape is so good that I wouldn't mind taking him at #23 if he checks medically, and they're comfortable with the off the field issues.
40 time was only OK. 20 years shuttle and 3 cone were just bad which is scary.
Even with all that in mind, his tape is so good that I wouldn't mind taking him at #23 if he checks medically, and they're comfortable with the off the field issues.
Cook's 20 yard splits in ESPN's Sport Science was the same as Ross' in the 40. Combine numbers are a good gauge but don't tell the whole story. Ask Leveon Bell and Lesean Mccoy. Plus everyone in the NFL is fast and strong.
Mcaffery may be the better athlete, but if you had to say who the better football player is, it would be Cook. It isn't even close.
In the only two games he played against teams with elite level defensive talent he was held to:
49 yards vs Washington
92 yards vs Colorado.
Against better defenses with elite talent Cook had:
169 vs Clemson
153 vs Florida
145 vs Michigan
They are the same size, did the same things in college except Bush had 650 less yards on 200+ less touches and 7 more TDs.
Bush was the better college player than McCaffrey.
Ball security baggage
Shoulder injury baggage
Might make him available but combined makes me worry as well. Tough call on this guy. I'll leave it up to the Giants to make it and won't chirp whichever way it goes.
McCaffrey I'd have to take. He's a 'clean' prospect, a triple threat and is the most prolific offensive player in yards from scrimmage in NCAA history. His Combine and Pro Day reinforced everything you saw on tape.
Exactly my thoughts.
Cook also had much, much more talent around him to showcase his skills, especially this year.
Concerns about his off field baggage, injury history and specifically, 3 cone drill at legit. Change of direction is imperative for success at the next level, and 3 cone measures that.
That is what makes me like McCaffrey a lot more. Safe pick, better player.
Add Cb to this list and I think you have it right. No RB in the 1st round.
The year Wilson was the pick (2012), prior to the draft the only RB the Giants had signed was the banged up Bradshaw.
Negatives are:
1) He is not a 3 down back in the NFL, and at best a 3rd down guy who you can split out wide. He has no interior power that I see and any big runs I see on his highlights are a result of holes that I could bust through at 6'0, 280.
2) He relies on the shoulder shimmy and side step move too much. It works to a point but in the NFL the success rate of those 2 are about 20% of what they are against the PAC-12, especially for a RB where LB's are coming straight at you. As a WR it is different because sometimes you have a little bit of space.
I think his CEILING is a career like Reggie Bush, but more that likely I see a Danny Amendola type who lines up in the backfield occasionally.
I know this is probably an unpopular opinion and I hope that I am wrong as I do like the kid and think he is a great character guy.
It's just one play, but... - ( New Window )
It's over an hour long, however... - ( New Window )
Cook also had much, much more talent around him to showcase his skills, especially this year.
Concerns about his off field baggage, injury history and specifically, 3 cone drill at legit. Change of direction is imperative for success at the next level, and 3 cone measures that.
That is what makes me like McCaffrey a lot more. Safe pick, better player.
Yup.