STRENGTHS: Tall for the position at 6-1, Madden has a strong compact build with a strong upper body, toned torso and medium thick legs. He has good quickness, agility, acceleration, top speed and very good balance. Very good vision with good patience when reading plays and determining the correct holes on runs, hitting them with good explosiveness. Part of his natural vision likely stems from his experience on defense, as he was originally recruited to play linebacker before switching to running back in 2012.
Madden has the speed and acceleration to get to the edge and upfield. He is a tough downhill runner with a low center of gravity, good play strength and a willingness to lower his shoulder and take on defenders, extend runs and always falling forward when finishing runs. He also shows good agility when making defenders miss at the second level, sometimes even in the hole.
He also shows good top speed with the ability to be a home-run threat when he reaches open field, rarely caught from behind. Shows good ability to lower his shoulders, push piles, break tackles and good explosiveness when hitting holes making him a good goal-line and short-yardage back. Madden's great balance truly is what separates him from other runners as he is able to regain balance after breaking tackles and stay upright when fighting for extra yards at the end of runs.
He appeared to improve his carry ability, not putting the ball on the ground a single time in 2015. Does a very good job in pass protection, showing the willingness and very good technique, bending at the knees, shooting his hands inside and using his strength to stonewall blitzers and run them away from the QB. His willingness to block even extends downfield when the rare opportunities to lead the way for teammates arise.
WEAKNESSES: There are major concerns with his ability to stay healthy as Madden missed two entire seasons at USC (2012, torn left knee ligament; 2014, turf toe) along with minor injuries causing him to miss time each year. He only received 85 carries in 2015 due to a knee injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery.
He could look to improve his catching ability and transition from receiver to runner as well. He could also benefit from getting vertical sooner in his runs rather than staying horizontal.
COMPARES TO: TJ Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars - Madden will not be a second-round pick like Yeldon was last year, but they both have the traits to be all-around backs in the NFL. Not the fastest, strongest or flashiest running backs, both do have the ability to get the job done.
Yeldon entered his rookie season and was producing well as a workhorse back until injuries forced him to miss four games. Madden has similar ability to be an all-around back at the next level, with his health clearly his biggest obstacle.
IN OUR VIEW: Madden's inability to stay healthy is the biggest detriment to his value. In his five years at USC, Madden missed two full seasons and never completed a full season as a running back. His lack of game experience and tape due to injuries will likely force him to impress his team in camp if Madden hopes to contribute as a rookie.
If Madden continues to improve, takes advantage of his opportunities and can be more durable, he could become a part of a committee backfield and a goal-line/short-yardage back at the next level.
