Thoughts on Latavius Murray this year?

[rottytiny 7]

Whats the thoughts on Latavius Murray this year? I keep seeing more and more hype on him as season gets near, i have a chance to trade for him in a ppr salary cap league where he would be my #2rb but I honestly didnt pay any attention to him after he seemed to flop last season. Seems like a good spot for a rb with decent skilled guys around him, but wondering if anyone has some more in depth opinions on him for this season.

 

Thanks

[Flgatorguy87 160]

He was a volume back last year, but he certainly feels like he is capable of more. He's a tough one to figure out for sure. The O-line should be nasty though, so assuming he gets carries I have no reason to believe last year wasn't his floor honestly.

[Frozenbeernuts 2,239]

I sold him in one dynasty and am holding in another. Well I tried to sell him there too but the interest wasn't as high as I'd like.

 

Last year was a bit disappointing even though he was a top 10 back. He had a few big games with a lot of lack luster ones too. He is a big play waiting to happen, yet he had about zero big plays last year. His division is still really tough. I am buying in the 4th round this Friday is he is still there so long as David Johnson doesn't fall to me at 8.

 

So for where he was drafted last year he did pretty well. I'm still not sure why his value would be rising since there hasn't been a game yet, and everyone thinks Washington is going to cut into his touches. In the 4th, why not?

[R8RMick 242]

He was a volume back last year, but he certainly feels like he is capable of more. He's a tough one to figure out for sure. The O-line should be nasty though, so assuming he gets carries I have no reason to believe last year wasn't his floor honestly.

^ This.

 

I've broken him down previously, but to agree with the above post he's just a tough dude to figure out. My best take is he's just not a very polished running back. Sixth round pick, Central FLA, but one of Reggie McKenzie's guys.

 

He goes 6-3 225 with 4.37 speed. You figure those tools would make him a monster, yet he seems to be easily brought down in the open field. Just doesn't have the moves of a Peterson-type back, or the toughness for that matter. Has a great initial burst through the line, and falls forward for the extra yards. Won't move the pile, or fake anyone out of his shoes. There's been times where he's had one guy to beat, and still hasn't taken it to the house.

 

I can't trust him to protect himself, he's been knocked out cold two seasons in a row on front approach hits where you wonder how a guy can't protect himself (see the Mike Mitchell hit from the Pittsburgh game last year.) Both hits caused turnovers, but more importantly left Murray seriously concussed. How many more of those can he take? He was knocked out cold in the KC game two years ago.

 

He's in a good situation, and that Oakland offensive line is just nasty. Keleche Osemele has already started several brawls in camp. Just business, no concerns, but dude is a mauler. The rookie Washington will take work from him, but our improved defense will allow for more work.

 

The ball is in Murray's court, this being a contract year. Last season was probably a good floor, but the rest is up to the kid and his development as a running back. He needs a lot of work. My guess is next year he's gone.

[weepaws 3,167]

The Raiders better O Line should make his 3.9 per carry avg better .

 

I just don't think he's has good has the Raiders thought he would be .

 

I think It really depends on how fast Washington can pick up things when it comes to the passing game , if he picks it up quickly he will be on the field much earlier than expected .

[DrG 103]

What R8 is describing sounds to me like a great athlete without great instincts. You'd think a guy with his Jets could juke a few people, but that is a different skill.

 

Why do I feel like, late in the year, we are going to see Marcel Reese starting a couple of games and propelling somebody into the playoffs?

[kwolf68 13]

Murray is going to be a solid play this year. Washington isn't taking his job and will probably be a change of pace type.

 

I mean who the hell else is there ahead of him?

 

AP? Vikings gonna run more shotgun, which AP struggles in, plus he's aging

Charles? ACL

Gurley? Crappy team/crappy offense

Ezekial? Never played a down of pro football in his life

 

ALL of those guys will cost you a round 1 player most likely.

 

Murray can maybe be had for cheaper and you can get a Brown, Beckham, Jones by waiting on Murray in round 3

[Mike Nice 40]

He is a 2 down back with washington there. He looked slow last year and just ran into the line. Theres other player drafted later them him I'd prefer

[oldtimer 84]

Washington isn't taking his touches, even on third down. Someone else may, but they are not trusting Washington in 2016. Look at the HC's track record. He is not a fan of rookies and Washington isn't exactly a known stud. Currently he is 3rd on the depth chart and he will likely remain there for quite some time. The kid is only 5'8 and 198lbs.

 

Murray was a 6th round pick, but had a 3rd round grade by some Scouts, mostly because of his straightline speed. As someone above already stated, he is an elite athlete without the instincts. The best way to sum him up is this; he isn't going to get you what isn't there. If there is no hole, he's not creating one. If there is a hole, and there should be this season, he will get you as much as anyone else. Well, until someone hits him. That's his other downside.... Murray seems to fall down when someone breathes too hard on him.

 

The defense has improved. The offensive line has improved. He is in a contract year. His only true competition is from a rookie with less impressive skills than himself. I wouldn't reach for him, but if he's on the board in the 4th round, I'm buying. He hasn't missed a start in two seasons. He has been beat up and had to leave games, but he has been on the field for all of them. Check out his game logs. If you look at many of the games, Murray wasn't completely to blame for the Raiders running game in 2015. I think the offensive play calling was lousy, especially early in the season. If he shows well in the preseason, he will end up as a late 2nd or early 3rd round pick in drafts right before the season.

 

I own him in a Dynasty League and having been holding him since his rookie season. I do not think he will be in Oakland next season, so I'm hoping he starts the season off on a high note and I can trade him. I'm not a huge Murray supporter, but I do like his situation this season at the price he can currently be had at.

[cousinal111 57]

Note - Contract Year

[R8RMick 242]

Washington isn't taking his touches, even on third down. Someone else may, but they are not trusting Washington in 2016. Look at the HC's track record. He is not a fan of rookies and Washington isn't exactly a known stud. Currently he is 3rd on the depth chart and he will likely remain there for quite some time. The kid is only 5'8 and 198lbs.

 

Murray was a 6th round pick, but had a 3rd round grade by some Scouts, mostly because of his straightline speed. As someone above already stated, he is an elite athlete without the instincts. The best way to sum him up is this; he isn't going to get you what isn't there. If there is no hole, he's not creating one. If there is a hole, and there should be this season, he will get you as much as anyone else. Well, until someone hits him. That's his other downside.... Murray seems to fall down when someone breathes too hard on him.

 

The defense has improved. The offensive line has improved. He is in a contract year. His only true competition is from a rookie with less impressive skills than himself. I wouldn't reach for him, but if he's on the board in the 4th round, I'm buying. He hasn't missed a start in two seasons. He has been beat up and had to leave games, but he has been on the field for all of them. Check out his game logs. If you look at many of the games, Murray wasn't completely to blame for the Raiders running game in 2015. I think the offensive play calling was lousy, especially early in the season. If he shows well in the preseason, he will end up as a late 2nd or early 3rd round pick in drafts right before the season.

 

I own him in a Dynasty League and having been holding him since his rookie season. I do not think he will be in Oakland next season, so I'm hoping he starts the season off on a high note and I can trade him. I'm not a huge Murray supporter, but I do like his situation this season at the price he can currently be had at.

 

Washington WILL be taking some touches. He's one of Reggie's guys, and the coaches are high on him. He runs hard, gained a lot of tough yds at Tech, he's no Napoleon Kaufman. They want him as the 3rd down back. The only thing that might keep him off the field is pass protection, but haven't heard much negative feedback in camp vis a vis. On positive note, there should be MORE touches this year to split. A much improved defense, offensive line, and familiarity with Musgrave's offense should ensure such. Rumors ran that Musgrave only utilized 40% of his offense, due to the new faces on the team.

 

As for the OP, they'll be looking to spool Washington up, and work him into the rotation. Murray needs help, and they don't trust Jones with anything except ST.

[DankNuggs 305]

track speed, but a different guy in pads, runs kind of slow and upright

[Ray_T 752]

Murray did disappoint a bit last year. The line had issues. there was one super weak link. This issue has been resolved in the offseason, so I do expect this line, as well as the run blocking, will improve. I also expect Latavius will improve a bit himself with an extra year of experience.

 

due to the above, I am projecting an increase of 10% from last years run totals.

 

At the current 4th round ADP I am looking to buy if I can.

 

FYI, if selecting Two or three WR in the first 3 round, he could be a great candidate for a mid round RB that may provide some value.

[weepaws 3,167]

If you go three WRs you might end up with Murray as your number one Rb .

 

I'm not sold on that ideal especially in a ppr league.

[polecatt 478]

I think he is most likely a solid RB2 or flex play. Best case he's a low end RB1. Worst case he loses some touches and is only a depth play.

[Ray_T 752]

If you go three WRs you might end up with Murray as your number one Rb .

 

I'm not sold on that ideal especially in a ppr league.

no, not in PPR, but standard rules, he'd be fine.

[BobSanders_33 127]

I like him this year because he gets what is blocked and he should see some gaping holes. Last year as said above there was one extremely weak link at guard. That has been addressed. I see him a lot like DMAC last year in Dallas. DMAC is also a RB right now that runs upright and goes down on contact. Behind that Dallas OLine last year he was able to just get a head of steam and get downfield picking up yards in bunches. Lat will be doing that this year.

[weepaws 3,167]

Should help his 3.9 yards per rush .

[stonewall 647]

Gotta remember, Lat has an extra gear if that line can get him past the first level. Saw that against KC in his very first start.

[ralphster 274]

With all the bad press and coach speak you'd think that Latty sucked last year. He didn't. 1k rushing, 230 receiving on 41 receptions with 6tds. Even with split touches they're going to rush more so his floor is around last year. That's good value for his adp of mid 4th.

[Frozenbeernuts 2,239]

With all the bad press and coach speak you'd think that Latty sucked last year. He didn't. 1k rushing, 230 receiving on 41 receptions with 6tds. Even with split touches they're going to rush more so his floor is around last year. That's good value for his adp of mid 4th.

He was being drafted as about RB 15 and ended up RB 10. I would say he was a value last year. It's just unfortunate that RB 10 these days isn't very exciting.

[heavy-set 39]

I have no problem drafting him in the 5th round. but I just cant bet on a breakout from a raider and take him any higher

[Ray_T 752]

With all the bad press and coach speak you'd think that Latty sucked last year. He didn't. 1k rushing, 230 receiving on 41 receptions with 6tds. Even with split touches they're going to rush more so his floor is around last year. That's good value for his adp of mid 4th.

Agree.

 

and if you are lucky enough to get him in the 5th round, you've found yourself a really good deal.

[stonewall 647]

Interesting situation developing in Oakland. All the buzz is about DeAndre Washington, but the kid may be undersized to use as a 2 or 3 down back (5' 8" , 200 lbs).

 

However, nobody saying much about George Atkinson outta Notre Dame. Big kid (220) with speed. Broke a couple of long TD's yesterday....one for 53 yards. He could be a goldmine if Lat goes down or underachieves.

[Ray_T 752]

Interesting situation developing in Oakland. All the buzz is about DeAndre Washington, but the kid may be undersized to yse as a 2 or 3 down back (5' 8" , 200 lbs).

 

However, nobody saying much about George Atkinson outta Notre Dame. Big kid (220) with speed. Broke a couple of long TD's yesterday....one for 53 yards. He could be a goldmine if Lat goes down or underachieves.

He definitely looked good.

[Frozenbeernuts 2,239]

Did not see Atkinson coming. I hope it was just a blip because of the Murray stock that I have. Does make me a little nervous. Washington didn't really make me nervous.

[R8RMick 242]

Interesting situation developing in Oakland. All the buzz is about DeAndre Washington, but the kid may be undersized to use as a 2 or 3 down back (5' 8" , 200 lbs).

 

However, nobody saying much about George Atkinson outta Notre Dame. Big kid (220) with speed. Broke a couple of long TD's yesterday....one for 53 yards. He could be a goldmine if Lat goes down or underachieves.

GAIII has 4.40 speed to go with that size, in fact one of his combine runs at Indy was 4.39

 

Not a polished runner, he basically did the AZ 2nd stringers. Oakland's offensive line is so deep its second string line was just man handling the Cards. On both TD runs Atkinson was sprung by monster crushing blocks by the outside tackle rolling up the defensive front. The first was by rookie Vadal Alexander and the second by Denver Kirkland. Both play guard or tackle, and will no doubt not clear waivers onto the practice squad.

 

BTW when I look at DeAndre Washington play I think of ex-NY Giant Joe Morris. The kid is plenty tough.

[DrG 103]

There is a crapshoot feel to the Raiders' backfield. But it just feels like Carr and his receiving corps should have a good year

[stonewall 647]

Did not see Atkinson coming. I hope it was just a blip because of the Murray stock that I have. Does make me a little nervous. Washington didn't really make me nervous.

 

I am getting pretty serious about getting Atkinson on my teams. Should be available in the last round of redrafts. The kid seems to have everything necessary to become one of those yearly jewels. You have to find guys that nobody else is thinking about.

 

He has size, world-class speed, a legit passing game, and a powerful o-line. I watched some college film on him, and he is very agile and powerful. He runs straight ahead with tremendous strength and finishes runs. He has quick feet and can bounce outside and make players miss. Above all, if he gets through the hole clean......he is gone. Won't be caught. IMO, he needs only one injury to be the starter....or one fantastic game to leapfrog Lat. He is also the son of former Raider safety George Atkinson, so he has a pedigree. I am buying as a flier.

 

Here is a sample of what he did against OU:

 

 

[Frozenbeernuts 2,239]

I just don't see him completely jumping Lats. Becoming part of a rbbc, sure. Lats still looked pretty good from what I saw. I may have to drop Kevin white from my Recent draft to get Atkinson.

[stonewall 647]

I just don't see him completely jumping Lats. Becoming part of a rbbc, sure. Lats still looked pretty good from what I saw. I may have to drop Kevin white from my Recent draft to get Atkinson.

 

IDK.....I like White pretty well too. Esp considering Ashlon's propensity for injury. Depends on what positions you are strongest in, I guess.

 

Here is that beautiful run against the Cards the other evening that made me sit up and take notice. The way he bounced it out and then turned on the jets was a thing of beauty.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JQvUAc_M4I

[Frozenbeernuts 2,239]

 

IDK.....I like White pretty well too. Esp considering Ashlon's propensity for injury.

 

Here is that beautiful run against the Cards the other evening that made me sit up and take notice. The way he bounced it out and then turned on the jets was a thing of beauty.

 

Same video as above.

 

Drafting this early really sucks. Yeah I got good deals on a lot of players, but it also lets me sit around and pick apart my draft thinking of a few things I should have done different, wanting to drop players for others.

[stonewall 647]

Same video as above.

 

 

 

Thanks...fixed.

 

Yes sir.....early drafting has many advantages and disadvantages.

[weepaws 3,167]

Washington is going to be the guy that takes away from L Murray .