The Jets can't get enough of Darren McFadden. Team officials have met with the dynamic running back at least three times in the past month, including a night on the town. McFadden, who made an official pre-draft visit to Hofstra on Wednesday, was escorted by team officials to dinner and to a boxing event at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. He was introduced to boxing analyst Teddy Atlas, a Jets' special assistant. It may seem like the Jets are trying to impress McFadden - shouldn't it be the other way around? - but it's actually part of a thorough background check. If they select him with the No. 6 pick in the April 26 draft, they want to be certain his off-the-field problems at Arkansas (two nightclub altercations and paternity issues) don't undermine their investment. GM Mike Tannenbaum, more tight-lipped than usual, refused to shed any light on the matter yesterday in his annual pre-draft news conference. "We're collecting information right now," Tannenbaum said. McFadden and/or pass rusher Vernon Gholston (Ohio State) could be available for the Jets, who need playmakers on both sides of the ball. McFadden is generally regarded as the better prospect, but the character issue could make it a toss-up. A month ago, the Jets dispatched running backs coach Jimmy Raye to Arkansas to meet with McFadden and to test his football aptitude in the classroom. Separately, Tannenbaum made a special trip, attending McFadden's Pro Day. The Jets, coming off a 4-12 disaster, can't afford to blow this pick. They will have to pay the sixth pick about $20 million in guarantees. "I really don't want to get too specific on (the character issue), but I will say this: We've talked with him and he's a great person to talk to," said Joey Clinkscales, the Jets' director of college scouting. "We've done our homework. If that's the pick we choose to make, we will be comfortable with that decision." On the field, McFadden is "a fantastic football player," according to Clinkscales. Mike Mayock, the NFL Network's draft analyst, believes the Jets should stay clear of McFadden because "I don't think the kid could survive in New York." League sources believe the Jets are targeting McFadden and Gholston, privately hoping that defensive end Chris Long (Virginia) somehow slips to them. The drama will increase if quarterback Matt Ryan (Boston College) somehow gets past the Falcons (third pick) and the Chiefs (fifth). link to rest of story http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/f...-17_jets_swooning_over_darren_mcfadden-2.html
