Forget all the talk about yards left on the field, there is no debating that DeMarco Murray had an absolutely stellar season last year for the Dallas Cowboys. Murray led the NFL in rushing with 1,845 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns and a 4.7 yards-per-carry average. He also snagged 57 passes for 416 yards. That is downright impressive no matter how you slice it.
But Murray is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cowboys are left with a question mark in their backfield. Granted, Dallas boasts the NFL's most talented offensive line with first-round picks Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin to go along with first-round talent La'El Collins. Any runner is going to find room to make plays behind that line. But can Joseph Randle, presumed to be the lead back heading into the 2015 season, match Murray's production from a year ago?
ESPN NFL Senior Writer Eric Karabell thinks he could actually eclipse Murray.
"It's a great opportunity in an elite offense with arguably the best offensive line," Karabell wrote of Randle's breakout potential. "I could see Randle outperforming DeMarco Murray, his teammate from last year. I also could see Randle failing miserably. What's it worth to you to find out? A top-20 RB pick?"
Randle carried the ball 51 times for 343 yards (6.7 YPC) and three touchdowns last year. Though impressive in limited playing time, Randle has just 105 career carries. It is unknown if he can handle the rigors of being a feature running back.
In terms of fantasy football, Randle is perhaps the biggest boom-or-bust candidate this season. As Karabell notes, he could finish as a top five rusher or lose his starting job. Drafting Randle this year is the ultimate risk-reward move.
