Breakout Alert
This time last year, DeMarco Murray was on few people’s radar. Drafted in the 3rd round by the Cowboys in 2011, many fantasy owners cringed as he was bound to be in a committee, if not buried on the depth chart.
Murray stands at 6’0” and weighs in at 227 lbs, with an impressive 4.37 (official time) 40 speed. Now that is impressive. Just to compare, Adrian Peterson came out of college 10 lbs lighter and had an official 40 time of 4.40 at the 2007 combine. Yes, I just compared Murray to AP, because I feel that Murray can be just as great.
In Murray’s rookie season, he quickly climbed the depth chart. Murray had his breakout game in week 7 vs. St. Louis. Murray ran right over the Rams defense for 253 yards and one touchdown on just 25 carries. Yes the Rams defense is horrible against the run, but how many other backs ran on them for 253 yards last season? Murray continued his success, finishing the season with 895 yards and 2 touchdowns before his eventual injury. These numbers don’t sound too impressive at first, but as a rookie, only playing in 13 games, and with a 5.5 yard rushing average, that is impressive.
Murray has a current ADP in the early to mid 2nd round. In my opinion, he would be an absolute steal if he made it into round 2. I believe that by this time next season, he will have entered elite status, and will be in the discussion for the top pick in fantasy drafts. He has the size and speed to be an every down back, and he is on a talented Cowboys team. My suggestion to DC Nation would be to go buy Murray in every league that you are in, because next off-season, Megatron straight-up won’t be enough to acquire him. Happy shopping!!
Your reference to AP is blasphemy.
One name that gives additional reason to like Murray: Lawrence Vickers. Vickers was the lead blockers for Jamal Lewis ‘s 1300 yard campaign in Cleveland, Peyton Hillis’s 2010 campaign, and the competent rushing attack in Houston last year (slight understatement). Tony Fiammetta is no pushover either since the games he missed were subpar for both Felix Jones and Murray, if memory serves, but Vickers is an upgrade.