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2017 NFL Draft: Brad Kaaya getting attention

By George Stockburger

Sep 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) attempts a pass against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) attempts a pass against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) catches a pass and rushes for a touchdown against the USC Trojans during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) catches a pass and rushes for a touchdown against the USC Trojans during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford: Stock Up

Buy, buy, buy! If you could invest in a college football player, have it be Stanford running back/wide receiver/punt returner Christian McCaffrey.

Finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting last year to Derrick Henry, many voters and fans hadn’t seen a lot of Christian McCaffrey. The fact that he plays on the west coast when much of the country is sleeping hurt him. There’s a reason McCaffrey won the “Far West” region of voters while Henry swept the remaining five.

Coming off a strange week two off week, Christian McCaffrey looked like he didn’t miss a step. The multi-purpose back rushed for a touchdown over 172 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

McCaffrey also continued to show his effectiveness as a receiver, catching three passes and scoring a 56-yard touchdown.

Christian McCaffrey leads the country in average all-purpose yards per game, although he has only two in the books. In terms of total yardage, his 470 are much further down the rankings.

Looking towards the remaining schedule for Stanford, there are a mixed bag of PAC-12 and out of conference opponents yet come. McCaffrey will have big tests against Washington, Notre Dame, and Oregon. However there are just as many games against weaker opponents, such as Rice, Cal, and Oregon State, for McCaffrey to run all over.

Next years NFL Draft will be one of the best ever at the running back position. For this reason, teams could either draft McCaffrey really early, or let him drop. I believe he ends up going in the first round, but slightly later than many believe.

Before the emergence of Latavius Murray, I believed the Raiders would be a great spot for McCaffrey to land. Depending on how the Minnesota Vikings finish, the Philadelphia Eagles could use the first round pick acquired in the Sam Bradford deal to get Carson Wentz a powerful weapon.

The Giants and Colts could also be in play for a running back. Uniting Stanford products McCaffrey and Andrew Luck will be a common theme in mock drafts this winter.

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