Pass Protection: Agile enough to be an above-average pass blocker, his length deficiencies can spell disaster against longer and stronger defensive matchups. Georgia’s blend of speed rushers as well as their longer, stronger defensive ends gave him fits. Against Pitt, he was able to find more of a groove. Overall, McFadden is better in pass pro when he’s not left on an island. When he has someone he can kick his matchup to or that can assist him with his matchup, McFadden is visibly more confident.
Balance: McFadden has a natural advantage when it comes to leverage but he can be wasteful with that advantage by standing straight up. He’s got a strong lower half, so even if he does stand straight up, he’s hard to knock off balance.
Hand Placement: McFadden has quick hands but isn’t necessarily as powerful as you would want him to be with his initial punch. He’s got good grip with his hands once they get ahold of the opponent’s chest, but he can let go prematurely which can result in his assignment have free rein to make a play on the football.
Football IQ: Seems about half a step slow at times in reacting to what’s being thrown at him. McFadden can diagnose pre-snap audibles and alignments from the defense however, any last-second changes can have him thrown for a loop.
Power: McFadden doesn’t possess much power in his game. In the run game, he’s mostly used as a seal blocker or used in instances of down blocks and double teams.
Anchor: He has a natural anchor being shorter than his matchups. Unfortunately, he loses leverage battles too often, which are only exacerbated by him playing left tackle because it leaves his QB out to dry.
Flexibility: Average lower body flexibility allows McFadden to cover a decent amount of ground.
Versatility: Simply put, at 6’2 310, he’s not going to be playing tackle at the next level. He’ll likely play guard but he may be looked at as a center by certain teams but he hasn’t played anything other than left tackle at Clemson.
Movement Skills: McFadden is a decent enough athlete, but he doesn’t stand out in any way.
Footwork/Foot Speed: McFadden is a pure technician, so his footwork is incredibly clean. There’re no instances of him crossing his feet. Footwork is the best part of his overall game