2017 NFL Draft: Breaking down Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey

Washington Tape:

The Stanford offensive line was atrocious all game against Washington. There are virtually no holes for Christian McCaffrey to run through, but he still finished with 12 carries for 49 yards, which is 4.1 yards per carry.

McCaffrey provided most of his value as a receiver in this game with his five catches for 30 yards. This provides a look into who he could be on an atrocious team at the next level.

Where McCaffrey does struggle however, is his overutilitzation of straight line-speed to start the game. The Washington Husky defense had too much team speed for him to get around. The usual cut-back lanes were non-existent as well.

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He did adjust however, as he routinely made a man miss despite all the traffic around him. As evident early on when McCaffrey took a one-yard gain for six yards due to his quick feet and slipperiness.

McCaffrey did a good job blocking a safety who came in on a  blitz, but I am still weary on him as a pass blocker in the NFL. He has a decent chop-block technique that he used throughout the game.

Stanford had a poor passing attack in this game. The atrocious quarterback play led to Washington’s defense keying off of the Cardinal rushing attack. There was not much McCaffrey could do.

At the four-minute mark in the third quarter McCaffrey had his best run of game as he juked, stiff-armed, and hurdled defenders on his way to 10 yard gain.

At the 3:30 mark in the third quarter— McCaffrey caught a pass a yard from line of scrimmage and spun through a defender, then juked another on the way to a first down. That is what he can do consistently at the next level.

At the 4:50 mark in the fourth quarter McCaffrey had a bad drop.