NFL Oakland Raiders

5 Young Players Set To Break Out For The Oakland Raiders In 2015

5 Young Players Set To Break Out For The Oakland Raiders In 2015

D.J. Hayden Oakland Raiders
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

It may have been another disappointing season for the Oakland Raiders in 2014, but their wins over the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills give them hope for next year. There is a bunch of young players on the roster who could propel the Raiders to new heights in 2015. Here are five guys from that group who are especially worthy of your attention.

5. Derek Carr

Derek Carr Oakland Raiders
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

5. Derek Carr

Derek Carr Oakland Raiders
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

A dark horse candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Carr was by far the best rookie quarterback in 2014. He was efficient, throwing 21 touchdowns compared to just 12 interceptions; Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck and some other notable quarterbacks threw more picks than Carr. With a better offensive line and a more formidable run game, Carr could turn a lot of heads in 2015.

4. Latavius Murray

Latavius Murray Oakland Raiders
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Latavius Murray

Latavius Murray Oakland Raiders
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Murray rushed the ball only 82 times in 2014, but he made those touches count, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and ripping off a 90-yard touchdown run that powered the Raiders to an upset win over the Chiefs. If the Raiders are smart, they will give the starting nod to Murray in 2015 and let the Central Florida product run wild.

3. Mychal Rivera

Mychal Rivera Oakland Raiders
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Mychal Rivera

Mychal Rivera Oakland Raiders
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

While Rivera’s total of 58 receptions this season is promising, his 9.2 yards per catch average leaves something to be desired. That’s where an improved Derek Carr should help to bolster Rivera’s yardage and overall threat as a pass catcher next season. Fantasy players, keep an eye on Rivera’s offseason development — he could be a top sleeper in August drafts.

2. D.J. Hayden

D.J. Hayden Oakland Raiders
isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

2. D.J. Hayden

D.J. Hayden Oakland Raiders
isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

In his second NFL season, Hayden continued to make strides. He started eight of the 10 games in which he was active, racking up 47 tackles (42 solo), 10 passes defended, and an interception of Peyton Manning. Raiders fans have every reason to believe that Hayden will be a full-time starter in 2015.

1. Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack Oakland Raiders
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

1. Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack Oakland Raiders
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

A front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Mack will have his sights set on Defensive Player of the Year in 2015, and why shouldn’t he? Mack has lived up to his high draft stock, averaging one tackle for a loss in each game while totaling four sacks. It is not unreasonable to say that Mack could develop into one of the best defensive players of his generation.

Connor Fulton is an NFL writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ConnorFultonRS, or find him on Google

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