A new regime is being put into place with the Oakland Raiders once again. After firing Dennis Allen, Jack Del Rio was named the team's new head coach while Bill Musgrave takes over offensive coordinator duties. Both coaches have already expressed their desire to build around rookie quarterback Derek Carr, but have expressed little faith in the offensive players on the current roster. With changes set to come the way of the Raiders, which stars will remain with the team?
Musgrave is known for his love of the run game. The offensive coordinator has created top-10 rushing attacks in four of his six seasons as a coordinator for both Minnesota and Jacksonville. He has worked with some of the best players like Fred Taylor and Adrian Peterson and believes he can duplicate that success with the Raiders. However, he was not praising Darren McFadden or Maurice Jones-Drew when saying that. He was expressing approval of breakout star, Latavius Murray.
"I have a very positive impression," Musgrave said, via CSN Bay Area. "He has tremendous size and speed. He had a super career (at Central Florida). I'm looking forward to getting on the field and finding out what he's all about and what his strengths are so we can tailor our run game so it's right up his alley."
Murray became a late-season star for Oakland. The running back took over for McFadden and Jones-Drew, putting up 424 yards on 5.2 yards per carry. He also had 143 yards receiving added to that. Both McFadden and Jones-Drew showed signs of struggle in 2014 meaning their time with the Raiders is likely over. McFadden will be a free agent once again while Jones-Drew has one year remaining on his current contract.
The Raiders have been linked to a number of other running back options. The team has been listed as a possible trade destination for Adrian Peterson or LeSean McCoy. Both players have seen their futures be placed into question. They could also chase pending free agents like Mark Ingram, CJ Spiller or Knowshon Moreno who would be cheaper assets and would pair nicely with Murray for a solid one-two punch.
Musgrave wants a workhorse. In his time in the league, he has always had a running back willing to carry the offense on their back. The jury is still out on whether or not that is Murray, but late-season success bodes well for his future.
