Christian McCaffrey has made it clear he feels like a disrespected member of the running back class in the 2017 draft. But the ultimate test for draft respect isn't until April 27, when the first round of the NFL draft commences in Philadelphia. And McCaffrey just might get his due then, when it matters most.
Multiple front office executives have told Good Morning Football's Peter Schrager that they believe the former Stanford star will be a top-10 selection in the first round. NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah is getting the same vibe: Jeremiah projects McCaffrey as the No. 8 overall selection to the Carolina Panthers in his latest mock draft, which was released Tuesday. A team executive has also identified McCaffrey as one of the draft's biggest risers.
LSU RB Leonard Fournette and Florida State's Dalvin Cook have drawn the most pre-draft attention in what is considered a very talented and deep pool of available running backs. McCaffrey, a former Paul Hornung Award winner as college football's most versatile player, is a dangerous threat as a rusher, receiver and return specialist. But at just 202 pounds, scouts have questioned whether he'll have the durability required of an every-down back in the NFL.
That's where the disrespect comes in as far as McCaffrey is concerned, but being chosen in the top 10 picks of a draft this loaded at his position would make it hard to keep that chip on his shoulder.
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