The Oakland Raiders had a lot of holes on their roster entering this offseason, but they were determined to rebuild their offense to aid second-year quarterback Derek Carr's development. That's good news for both Carr and fantasy football owners wondering if any Oakland players are worth a look come draft time.
ESPN Senior Fantasy analyst Matthew Berry answered some questions fans and owners may have about running back Latavius Murray, who appears to be taking over as the lead back, and free agent wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
"When [Murray] finally got in last season, he was awesome," Berry said. "I love his talent and I'm banking on Oakland being smart enough to realize it as well. Of course, the Raiders have not always gone with, shall we say, conventional wisdom, so there is some risk there and it's all a small sample size. But with Murray, when you watch the film, wow. He's a top 12 upside running back going outside the top 20."
Murray produced a 5.2 yards-per-carry average last season while displaying some impressive big-play ability. His 90-yard touchdown scamper against the Kansas City Chiefs in late November helped to open up plenty of eyes. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Murray has excellent size and all the makings of a feature back from a physical standpoint. However, with just 82 career carries under his belt, Murray does not come without significant questions marks.
And what about Crabtree, whose playing career hinges in the balance this year?
"As for a guy I'm not crazy about, Michael Crabtree averaged a career worst 10.3 yards per reception last year. Only five qualified wide receivers were worse. He's going to a new team and a new quarterback and that won't help, especially when Amari Cooper should get most of the targets. Michael Crabtree is a big name, but given his recent production and injury concerns, he's not draftable in an ESPN standard league."
Crabtree caught 68 passes for just 698 yards and four touchdowns last season. Leg injuries have robbed him of his explosiveness in recent years. But at just 27-years-old, Crabtree is still young enough to turn things around. Will Carr be able to help him do that? Only time will tell.
