Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into his third season in the NFL, it’s time for Latavius Murray to step up and prove he’s ready to be the workhorse for the Oakland Raiders’ running game. That battle starts during training camp, where Murray will be given every opportunity to impress.
Put simply, Murray could be headed for a huge year as the Raiders’ starting running back. While some think that Trent Richardson and Roy Helu Jr. could eat into his carries, the former sixth-round pick has the talent to fend off any competition and steal the show.
In order to do so, Murray has to build on an impressive showing during his 2014 sophomore campaign. Although he didn’t see significant touches until the second half of the season, he made the most of his limited opportunities, amassing 424 yards and two touchdowns on 82 carries for an impressive 5.2 yards-per-carry average. Murray also hauled in 17 passes for 143 yards, proving to be a viable option in the passing game.
With Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew now out of the picture, Murray is set to become the Raiders’ true No. 1 back. Sure, Richardson and Helu Jr. will get the occasional touch or two, but it’s hard to believe the Raiders would want to take too many carries away from Murray considering the promise he’s shown over the last year.
Adding even more intrigue to Murray’s 2015 campaign is the Raiders’ improved running blocking. They went out and snagged free agent Rodney Hudson, who is one of the top centers in the NFL. Although the other starters along the front five remain relatively similar, sophomore guard Gabe Jackson should shine even brighter after an outstanding rookie season. The addition of blocking tight end Lee Smith should also have Murray smiling from ear to ear.
Injuries have often held Murray back, but if he can stay off the trainer’s table in 2015, the young back could be headed for a breakout year. It all starts with solidifying the starting job during training camp and giving the Raiders as many reasons as possible to feed him early and often once the regular season rolls around.
It could be a big year for Murray and the Raiders’ running game.
