The Oakland Raiders slogged through another disappointing season last year, despite the glimmers of hope provided by rookie QB Derek Carr. This season, new head coach Jack Del Rio is hoping to make some changes. First up is to improve a rushing offense that finished dead last in yards per game (77.5), yards per carry (3.7), rushing touchdowns (4) and rushing first downs (56).
But who will be the catalyst for this improvement? Maurice Jones-Drew retired and Darren McFadden signed with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. That leaves second-year back Latavius Murray as the favorite to land the starting gig. He's certainly ahead of free agent addition Trent Richardson, who was a big disappointed with the Indianapolis Colts.
Murray, despite his talent, doesn't come without some concerns. He missed his rookie season due to injury after being drafted in 2013 and received just 82 carries last year. Granted, he definitely impressed in his limited playing time (424 yards, two touchdowns, 5.2 YPC).
Del Rio expressed a desire for Murray to improve his football IQ by becoming a better blocker and improving his grasp of the playbook. Even though it's only OTAs, the coach is pleased with Murray's progress so far.
"Right now, he's been running with the lead group, but he knows that he has to earn that through camp, through the preseason," Del Rio said. "But he's done a nice job this offseason. He is taking steps and growing as a young player."
Murray knows he has an opportunity to start this year, but that doesn't mean he's taking his foot off the gas pedal.
"I'd like to think that I am a complete back, as far as knowing my assignments and protections and being a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield," Murray said. "I think the little things I can be better at, like techniques. Other than that, I feel I can do those things. I know my assignments. I know who to block. Again, I think I can be a threat out of the backfield. As long as I am just getting better every day and improving in all areas, I think I'll be just fine."
That's nice to hear for Raiders fans, but what should fantasy football owners think of all this? Believe it or not, the Raiders weren't awful along the offensive line in 2014. The unit's pass protection far outpaced their run blocking, but Donald Penn and Gabe Jackson form a solid foundation moving forward. If Oakland's offense can take a step forward (and that is a BIG if) with Carr's continued development and some improved talent, than Murray has a chance for a solid season. At the moment, though, you're better off going with safer picks with less upside such as Frank Gore or Joique Bell in the middle rounds.
