Oakland Raiders: 5 Key Veterans That Need To Step Up

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive coordinator

greets Oakland Raiders fullback

(45) following the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

2. FB Marcel Reece

Another key group that is expected to ramp up their production is the running back corps. The group includes several young players in Latavius Murray, Roy Helu and Trent Richardson. The running back position in the NFL is a fairly unique one in that the half-life of a player at the position is much shorter than others, requiring them to grow up quickly. Experience isn’t always a good thing, as older backs tend to break down fast or have lost a step or two. But having someone in the group that can point others in the right direction is a big plus. The Raiders have that in Marcel Reece.

Reece has the perfect mix of talent and youth for a back. He’s been in the league 5 years; a ton of time in terms of durability for the position as previously mentioned. In that time Reece has been a perennial Pro Bowler, not an easy feat for an offensive player in Oakland as of late. He has seen success personally, but has also seen struggles for the team. More importantly, he knows that to have a productive year the running back and full back need to gel quickly. Reece must take Murray, Richardson and Helu Jr. under his wing; that means pumping them up or putting them in their place when it’s needed. Reece can be an on-field coach of sorts for Oakland this season, something that coach Del Rio could sorely use.

Next: Who is the Raiders field general?