Darren McFadden’s mom: N.Y., California too big; Dallas, just right

What do Darren McFadden’s mom and Rudy Giuliani have in common?

They both have strong feelings about New York.

He loves it.

She can’t stand it.

“I hate New York; it’s too big,” said Mini Muhammad, whose son is generally regarded as the top running back in this weekend’s NFL draft and is coveted by the New York Jets, who pick sixth.

What’s more, McFadden’s mom doesn’t necessarily want to see him wind up on the West Coast either, where the Oakland Raiders are eyeing him for the fourth pick. She said she hates California for the same reason: Too big.

Given her druthers, Muhammad would love to see her son, a former Arkansas star, land closer to their home in Little Rock.

“The Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, whatever team they’ve got there in Tennessee,” she said while attending a luncheon at Chelsea Piers for the top draft prospects. “But we want what’s good for him, whatever they say. I’d rather particularly he’d go to Dallas, I really do.”

That’s not inconceivable, because the Cowboys want a running back and have two picks in the first round, Nos. 22 and 28, although it’s unlikely Dallas would package both of those to trade up.

Atlanta picks third, but the Falcons have far more pressing needs than running back, namely quarterback and defensive tackle. Besides, they signed free agent tailback Michael Turner this off-season. Tennessee picks 24th.

No matter what happens, Muhammad said, she’s proud and excited for her son. And as for Saturday’s proceedings, she insists she won’t be stressed.

“It’s always been easy for me because I raised 12 children,” she said. “It’s no surprises when you raise that many kids.”

sam.farmer@latimes.com