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Oakland Raiders: Perfect Fits for 5 Biggest Free Agency Needs

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates after the defense recovered a fumble by the Cleveland Browns during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates after the defense recovered a fumble by the Cleveland Browns during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Starks
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Running Back: James Starks

A lot of Raiders fans like to think that because Latavius Murray broke the 1,000-yard mark in 2015, he’s proven himself ready to handle the featured running back role moving forward. If you’re one of those fans, I’m sorry but you’re sadly mistaken. I’ve long been a Murray supporter, but there was nothing spectacular about what he did in 2015.

Just look a little deeper and you’ll see it. Whether it’s the 4.0 yards-per-carry average or the fact that he only scored six touchdowns in 307 touches, it’s easy to see that he wasn’t the dynamic threat the Raiders wanted him to be. It doesn’t help that there were seven games in which he failed to break the 50-yard mark–not what you want from your supposed star runner.

That’s why adding another capable back to the mix will be imperative in 2015. The Raiders need someone who can form a one-two punch with Murray, and give him some competition for the starting job. Competition breeds excellence, which may be exactly what Murray needs to break out in 2016.

Insert Starks.

While he’s likely looking for a starting gig after years of playing backup in Green Bay, he’d have the perfect opportunity to utilize his well-rounded skill set in an explosive Oakland offense with the potential for him to steal the starting job. And it’s not like the Raiders don’t have the cap space to convince him to make the move to the West Coast.

Next: Left Tackle

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