[CTcard]

[quote author=donkey687 link=topic=14954.msg161403#msg161403 date=1461705156]
Reggie Bush #2 overall pick.  I can't think of a better comp than that one.

Widely considered a bust, so not really one you want to be making.
[/quote]

Doesn't really matter whether it's a comparison one wants to make, it seems to be the most relevant one listed here. The two seem to be about the same size, similar roles (though McCaffrey seems to carry a heavier work load), and similar levels of achievement/notoriety.

LaMichael James is more what I was thinking of - a good small back who didn't get drafted anywhere near the top 10. On the other hand, McCaffrey is both bigger and better.

I am afraid that both Barry Sanders and Darrin Nelson (both smaller than McCaffrey) are so long ago they are probably not particularly meaningful for projecting how the NFL feels about smaller backs today.

To counter my own premise, I see McCaffrey is listed as 6'0'' and 202 lbs. If that is more or less accurate, he is not that small a back - particularly if you project him putting on some pounds by mid-NFL career. 

[CTcard]

[quote author=donkey687 link=topic=14954.msg161403#msg161403 date=1461705156]
Reggie Bush #2 overall pick.  I can't think of a better comp than that one.

Widely considered a bust, so not really one you want to be making.
[/quote]

Doesn't really matter whether it's a comparison one wants to make, it seems to be the most relevant one listed here. The two seem to be about the same size, similar roles (though McCaffrey seems to carry a heavier work load), and similar levels of achievement/notoriety.

LaMichael James is more what I was thinking of - a good small back who didn't get drafted anywhere near the top 10. On the other hand, McCaffrey is both bigger and better.

I am afraid that both Barry Sanders and Darrin Nelson (both smaller than McCaffrey) are so long ago they are probably not particularly meaningful for projecting how the NFL feels about smaller backs today.

To counter my own premise, I see McCaffrey is listed as 6'0'' and 202 lbs. If that is more or less accurate, he is not that small a back - particularly if you project him putting on some pounds by mid-NFL career.