Oakland Raiders Players Set For Big 2015 Seasons

Nov 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) scores on an 11-yard touchdown run in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Latavius Murray

Part of the reason why the Raiders running game was so bad is because running back Latavius Murray was on the bench for much of 2014. The Raiders went 3-2 in the last five games because they started to get Murray more involved in the Raiders game-plan. The 6’3″, 230-pounder gave the Raiders an identity that they were going to play smash-mouth football and an identity is the most important thing a team can have.

Murray also helps win the battle of attrition as Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus injured himself when trying to tackle Murray. And for the young Carr, his 3rd-down conversion rate went up because it was 3rd-and-4 instead of 3rd-and-10 with a bolstered rushing attack. That gives the defense time to rest and Murray can also give them a lead with big plays like his two touchdown runs against the Kansas City Chiefs.

His size, speed, power and vision remind me of Eric Dickerson so watch out Demarco Murray as Latavius Murray appears to an emerging star in Oakland. With Musgrave at offensive coordinator, he’s going to challenge for the rushing title in 2015. Murray’s skill-set is elite and all he needs is more touches to go to the elite category from average, where they have him.

Next: Gabe Jackson