Latavius Murray has Competition

When the Oakland Raiders first drafted DeAndre Washington in the fifth around a few weeks ago, I knew there was going to be a big competition for the starting running back position. Starter Latavius Murray has great size, speed and vision.

At 5’8″, 204 pounds, Washington, isn’t very big but has great speed and great vision. And to go with it he showed that he has a few things that Murray just hasn’t shown to date. As of now, Murray isn’t great at breaking tackles and he isn’t very elusive out in space.

Washington was great in both departments when he played at Texas Tech last year. He was among the FBS leaders in yards after contact and in forced missed tackles. Put that together with the fact that he blocks and catches the ball well and he’s a threat to Murray’s job.

In OTAs, Murray has taken notice of the 5th-round pick, telling Raiders.com Monday, “He’s good. Quick guy, great speed, great vision. I think he looks real good. Excited to get to work with him, learn from him and hopefully he can learn some things from me.”

In his first year as a full-time starter, Murray was solid with 1,066 yards and six touchdowns. But he wasn’t consistent or overly great in  the games he did shine in. Murray went for 100-plus yards only twice, none of which came during the last eight games of the season.

But Murray doesn’t seem to feel threatened by Washington nor is he bitter about his presence. However, he has to be motivated, knowing that he has to get better in some areas to keep his job. He at least sounds like a man that knows he has to improve.

Murray said, “For me, it doesn’t change anything. I know I’m going to do what I have to during the games and come out here and get better every day in practice. I just have to do my job. I’m sure he’s out there competing just like I am, and that’s just how it’s supposed to be.”