The Oakland Raiders are confident they are building something special with the franchise as this year comes with added expectations. The rebuilding got a boost with Derek Carr who is looking like the real deal while Amari Cooper certainly pushes the effort as well. The question mark left for the offense is the run game which will be headlined by Trent Richardson and Latavius Murray. However, if either player struggles heading into the season, will the Raiders look to add a body?

Neither Richardson nor Murray are a home run hit. The Raiders are counting on Murray to build off the momentum of last year while hoping the change of scenery is what Richardson needs to re-establish himself as a real threat of a running back. Early returns have been positive as Bill Williamson of ESPN has reported both rushers are taking hold of the competition and running with it. Murray believes he is building up for a breakout year.

"Getting a chance to start three games (last season), it's something that I definitely want to continue to build off of," Murray said, via the team's official website. "I had that mentality in the offseason just to prepare to be the No. 1 guy and play that way and train that way."

Despite the optimism from Murray, there is still lingering doubt this rotation can get the job done. Even after getting both Murray and Richardson, the Raiders looked at outside options, being linked to trades for Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte. ESPN's John Clayton believes they could be a landing spot for Ray Rice should either rusher struggle.

Clayton writes that a team will sign Rice this season. It might not happen until training camp, but he will get a second chance in the NFL and the Raiders could be the team to offer it. Clayton reports that the Raiders' ground game is not a guarantee and Carr needs playmakers on the ground to help him in his second season. Murray may or may not turn out to be the real deal while Richardson averages 3.3 yards per carry in his career. This is also his third team in three seasons.

Taking on Rice is certainly a risk. The Raiders might not want to take on the media implications that come with bringing on the running back. Clayton reports that Rice is training and ready to sign on with a team. Oakland certainly would not offer a big contract to the veteran, but the expectations placed upon the Raiders entering 2015 could force them to be open to the idea of Rice joining on.