Add Darren McFadden to the growing list of reasons why it's not wise to take a running back in the first round of the NFL draft.
McFadden's best season came in 2010 in which he totaled 1,664 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. Outside of that season, McFadden has consistently struggled with injuries and failed to make a real impact. He hasn't averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry in three seasons. That, ladies and gentleman, is what we call a bust for someone who was the fourth overall pick at one point.
Now, Run-DMC is headed to unrestricted free agency and likely a new team in 2015.
"The Raiders are unlikely to bring back running back Darren McFadden on a bargain-basement deal like they did last season," wrote Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle. "McFadden started off as the No. 2 back behind Maruice Jones-Drew, started 12 games and gained 534 yards on 155 carries (3.4 average) before giving way to Latavius Murray."
It's possible that MJD will also be elsewhere next season, meaning Murray's window of opportunity may open sooner rather than later.
Murray impressed Oakland in limited action last year and will compete to open the 2015 season as the team's lead back. The rookie rusher didn't receive significant playing time until the last five games of the regular season. In that span, he carried the ball 72 times for 370 yards (5.1 average) and two touchdowns. He did enough in that time to excite new head coach Jack Del Rio.
"I think he's shown enough of the traits to make him a candidate to be that guy. I don't know that he's earned that yet," Del Rio said of Murray being the starter.
"He's shown that there's potential there. We're excited about working with him and developing him to his fullest. He's got size and speed. Then there's some things that we'll need to work to improve in terms of overall awareness, football IQ, things like that.
"Then some of the running lanes we want to provide for him. Quite frankly, there weren't enough holes last year for backs to get loose in and do their thing."
