2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland Terrapins
Career Snapshot
One-year starter who earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors, rushed 131 times for 1,034 yards and four touchdowns and started five of 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2018. Made seven starts and carried 114 times for 614 yards and eight TDs as a sophomore. Suffered an ankle injury early in 2019 that forced him to miss one game and lingered through several others.
Positives
Small, quick, and elusive ball carrier who creates his own yardage. Runs with balance and body control and cuts back on a dime without losing momentum. Quickly gets to top speed, gets a lot of momentum going up the field and makes defenders miss. Has a terrific burst through the running lanes, squeezes through the small openings and beats defenders into the open field.
Darts around piles and consistently finds ways to pick up positive yardage. Extends his hands and snatches the ball from the air to make the reception in stride. Terrific pass catcher out of the backfield. Helps the quarterback sell ball fakes.
Negatives
Lacks size and growth potential. Easily brought down at the point by a single defender. Struggled with injuries at times over the past two years.
Analysis
When healthy and on his game, McFarland was a game-changer for Maryland. He’s a creative back who isn’t afraid to carry the ball on the inside and shows terrific skill as a pass catcher. If everything checks out medically, McFarland should be a second-day pick and a terrific situational ball carrier and third-down back at the next level.