Broncos Prospect Profile: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

Throughout the offseason, we’ll be profiling players who may end up in Denver when all is said and done with the 2017 NFL Draft. The Broncos clearly have plenty of holes to fill before they get back to Super-Bowl form and we’ll be examining a long list of players they may choose to help the franchise do just that.

As a two-time All-American, Heisman Trophy finalist and Pac-12 Player of the Year, it’s fair to say that Christian McCaffrey had a legendary collegiate career. However, with all of those accolades, the award that speaks most to his potential at the next level very well may be the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation’s most versatile player, which he was awarded in 2015.

Technically a running back, McCaffrey has proven that he is an all-purpose weapon in the backfield, as a wide receiver and in the return game—both kick and punt. As a sophomore, in his Heisman finalist season, his 3,864 all-purpose yards set an NCAA record with 2,019 of those yards on the ground, 645 through the air and 1,070 in return game. In the NFL, McCaffrey will likely be used as a weapon all over the offensive side of the ball, as well in the return game.

“I don’t think there’s anyone else that can do all the things I can as far as running between the tackles, outside pass protect, play X, Z, slot and do a lot of things in the return game as well,” he said at the combine. “I think that’s what sets me apart… I really try to pride myself on route running, catching and being able to be a mismatch anywhere on the field.”

The combination of his talent, production and versatility has the Colorado native slated to be a first-round pick in the draft.

Strengths

Along with versatility, McCaffrey has many other skills that established him as one of the best college players of all time. First and foremost is his vision and awareness. McCaffrey sees the field incredibly well, especially behind the line of scrimmage, and finds the right holes along the offensive line to attack. When he’s in the backfield, he has similar patience to that of LeVeon Bell that allows running lanes to open up.

Additionally, he has precise footwork, which allows quick change of direction at top speed. His ability to lineup at any position on the field can create matchup nightmares, specifically against linebackers, and his great hands make him a receiving threat all over the field.

Weaknesses

At 5-foot-11, 202 pounds, McCaffrey’s size draws some concerns that he isn’t big enough to be an every-down back. Fortunately, if his next team uses him properly, he shouldn’t be lined up solely as a running back, which will help alleviate this concern. Since McCaffrey was such a dominant player in college he took on a significant workload, which can be a concern for his longevity in the NFL.

While McCaffrey showed many NFL traits in college, one that he did not show was power. As a smaller running back he likely won’t run through defenders. Finally, McCaffrey will need to improve his pass protection skills.

How he fits in Denver

If the two-time Colorado Gatorade High School Player of the Year joins his hometown team he would be an immediate difference maker—both on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams as a returner. McCaffrey would be the third weapon on offense that the Broncos so desperately lacked last season.

Just as his scouting reports suggests, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy would use McCaffrey from the backfield, the slot and out wide. He would also give the Broncos the much needed boost in the return game.

McCaffrey would gladly welcome returning home to play for his father Ed’s former team, saying, “That would be awesome. That would be great. I would love to play there.”

With Denver currently sitting at No. 20 overall in the draft, it is a crapshoot if McCaffrey will be available. If he is, it will be very tempting for Elway not to pass on such a versatile player.