Breaking down the falacies of comparing last year's highest drafted rb, Adrian Peterson to this year's highest drafted rb, Darren McFadden

There is a lot of talk about Darren McFadden being this year's Adrian Peterson. Peterson, who was drafted sixth overall by the Vikings, ended up being one of the top five players in the NFL last year.

There are similarities. Both running backs are All-Americans who played for teams in the middle of the country (Peterson for Oklahoma and McFadden for Arkansas). Coming out of college, both guys were easily considered the best running back of their respective drafts. Both guys warranted serious number one overall consideration. The two are also similar in size as McFadden is listed 6'2" and Peterson is listed 6'1". Both even wore quite similar red and white uniforms.

But while the five teams that passed up on Adrian Peterson were (unofficially) considered fools by ShotsHeard; the teams that passed up on Darren McFadden should not be considered fools since McFadden is not exactly of the same ilk as Peterson.

At every level, Peterson has always been a dominant, whereas McFadden has not been. Peterson's phenomenal abilities saw him attain 1925 yards in his freshman season; a mark that McFadden never achieved.

Peterson and McFadden had similar career stats at college, but Peterson missed more time due to injuries. At the college level, I would rank Marshall Faulk first and Peterson second as the two greatest backs ever (Both players coincidentally or not so coincidentally wear the number 28). When they were on top of their games they were unstoppable. McFadden would not make the list.

In the greatest college football game ever played, the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, Peterson's dominance was apparent. On the first play of overtime, everyone knew he was getting the ball. But everyone was not going to stop it from being one and done as he ran for a 25 yard touchdown. After answering with a touchdown, Boise State was virtually forced to go for the do or die play; the statue of liberty play on their two-point conversion as their defense had no answer for Peterson.

Peterson is the complete back. Teams have to put eight or nine in the box because if he has an ounce of daylight, he's going to scramble for a 50 yard plus run. And even if a player does intrude on Peterson, he's going to barrel them over for another five to seven yards if no gang tackle ensues.

McFadden on the other hand, is more of speed back than a complete player, though he could become one. His combine time for the 40 was 4.27, faster than Peterson's 4.40. But it takes more than speed at the next level. Linebackers and secondaries and linebackers cut off the corners and plug the gaps much more efficiently than in college. A back with power and agility like Peterson has much more value than McFadden. McFadden was so containable that last year in his best season, his longest run was only 33 yards.

Lastly, there's the difference in the two men's character. Simply put, Peterson has a lot of it and we'll let you know when we find McFadden's character.

McFadden has had undeniable gang affiliations. ShotsHeard believes that whether or not McFadden was officially part of gang, he was strongly shaped by the gang culture. While McFadden is trying to say all the right things to the media to not glorify his indulgent past; his lack of remorse for his actions is apparent.

On the other hand, Peterson is more selfless. After rushing for over a 100 yards in four of his first five games(including a high of 224 yards), Peterson insisted that the starting job was still Chester Taylor's job. Peterson knew that he was the best back and that the mantle would be his soon enough. But he respected the abilities and sensitivities of hist teammates.

He could never truly be considered a number two back after rushing for an NFL record 296 yards in Week 9. But he still allowed Chester Taylor to shine as the two combined for 2,185 yards on the year. Despite having holes at QB and WR, Peterson helped turn the Vikings into playoff contenders.

The truth is that most of the media missed their chance to see Peterson for the great potential talent he was; a man that could possibly end up being the greatest player in the history of the NFL. They are trying desperately, to say 'see we told you,' this time around when it comes to McFadden.

The reality though, is that the Vikings got a leader and a franchise player in Peterson while the Raiders got a star talent who will be competing with last year's number one overall pick, quarterback JaMarcus Russell for their individual glory.