(Photo by P A Patterson-Examiner.com)
Many of the headlines over the 2009 offseason centered around the Raiders need for a wide receiver. They selected two receivers in the 2009 draft with Darrius Heyward-Bey out of Maryland in the first round and Louis Murphy in the fourth.
The Raiders took considerable criticism for their selection of Heyward-Bey, whilst the selection of Murphy in the fourth was mostly unnoticed. However, Murphy not only outperformed the disappointing Heyward-Bey he was the leader in receptions and yards among Raider wide receivers.
Murphy's 34 receptions were good for a tie for 12th among rookies for in catches. He had the longest catch among rookies with his 75 yard catch and run during the Raiders wild fourth quarter win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. His 4 touchdowns put him in a tie for sixth with Jeremy Maclin for most TD receptions by a rookie.
Murphy had his own issues with drops early in the season, but he was able to become more consistant with his hands as the season wore on.
Murphy's greatest strength is his passion for the game. However, there have been times when it has gotten the better of him and resulted in near fights on the field. In his time at Florida, he did not lose many games. In fact, he has lost more in his rookie season as a Raider than he did his entire career at Florida. Once he can get better control over that passion, he will emerge as a leader on the Raiders offense.
With a year of experience in the pro game, look for Murphy to emerge as a bigger part of the Raiders offense in 2010. He could easuly turn into a steal as a fourth round pick.
Comments
I like Louis Murphy. He's feisty. Not the most polished receiver yet, but he plays with fire and passion, qualities the Raiders have been lacking at wide receiver.
Murphy and Schillens should be the 1 and 2 wide outs for 2010 season.
I bet we see a big jump in production from our wr group with Jackson as our oc now. Hopefully JR won't be the qb and that should help to.
I also like Murphy's fire. I think that we need more players with his attitude. Positive hard-nosed effort type of guys can really help a teams overall personality. Hopefully some of that attitude will rub off on DHB. I was very disapointed in DHB he seemed too passive and timid, the opposite of Murphy. Murphy and Schilens should be the starters with someone other than Russell at QB.
excellent article. Louis Murphy is already a solid receiver.
Next year, he will be even a lot better.
To have something that resembles a real NFL passing attack next year I believe we have to: 1) Get a solid proven # 1 receiver (Maybe Boldin or someone) with Murphy and Schillins 2 and 3. DHB 4, Higgins 5 and bounce the rest. 2) improve offensive line 3) (probably most important) demote or bounce Russell. Our passing attack has been bad to near historic levels. Our running game sucked last year because there was absolutely no threat of throwing the ball.
With that being said, Murphy is the man and already a steal for a 4th round pick.
Murphy is the next Tim Brown in my opinion...very good go to guy! If Chaz wouldn't have got hurt in the beginning of the season, we would have been a sweet passing team....oh wait, Jamarcus stated the season huh....nevermind. lol
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