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Latavius Murray to see bulk of goal-line work?
Scored nine of his 12 TDs inside the 5 last year
By: Doug Orth | Jun 29 2017, 5:40 pm
| Latavius Murray might not lead the team in carries this year, but even if he is technically a backup, he figures to assume a critical role for the Vikings offense. In 2016, there were 25 occasions when the Vikings ran the ball on third or fourth down within three yards of the first-down marker, according to Pro Football Reference. They converted on only 13 of those plays, averaging a pathetic 1.36 yards per carry.
In 2016, his final season in Oakland, Murray scored a dozen touchdowns, nine from inside the 5-yard line. In those short-yardage situations on third and fourth down, he converted on 13 of 18 tries, averaging 4.9 yards. (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
FFToday's Take: Despite Murray's three-year, $15 million contract, rookie Dalvin Cook is considered the heavy favorite to open the season as the starting running back. While Murray will not have one of the best offensive lines in the league to run behind anymore, he is certainly an upgrade over Matt Asiata in short-yardage and goal-line situations. The former Raider warrants RB5 consideration in most leagues this summer.
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