DeMarco Murray: Complete Fantasy Profile & Draft Strategy

DeMarco Murray is one of the bigger boom/bust picks in this draft. He is not for the fantasy owner who likes to play it safe. 

Murray ran for 897 yards at 5.5 yards per carry in 13 games last season but only two touchdowns. He also added 26 catches for 183 yards.

Murray's value can't be judged by his totals. He had five games last season where he had at least 20 carries. In those games he averaged 137.4 yards per contest. His two touchdowns also came in those games. 

However, Murray's body could not take the pounding. He missed the final three games of the regular season after breaking his ankle. He also suffered with injury issues in college.  

Bye Week: 5

Projection: 898 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns

Murray is going to produce. The only question is if he can stay healthy. I don't see that happening. The good news is that when he is healthy, he will be an asset for fantasy owners. 

The Cowboys will give Murray as many carries as he can handle. He put up enough results last year that we can trust he will produce when that happens. 

Draft Comparison

The most common ranking for Murray for fantasy running backs appears to be eighth. He is definitely a coveted and valuable piece. 

When it comes time to take Murray or another similarly-ranked running back, let this be your guide to help make the tough calls. 

Murray Needs to be Drafted Before These Guys: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jamaal Charles, Darren McFadden, Ryan Mathews

Murray needs to go before McFadden and Mathews. We already know those guys are going to struggle with injuries. They have a far more proven track record in that area than Murray. 

Meanwhile, Charles is a back that relies off his explosiveness and he is coming off of major knee surgery. This is never good. 

Maurice Jones-Drew does not have the injury issues, but how motivated is he going to be to play after his bitter holdout? 

Take These Guys Before Murray: Matt Forte, Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson is coming off reconstructive knee surgery and it is unlikely he will be 100 percent at any time this season. But 80 percent of Peterson is better than almost 100 percent of any other running back. 

Peterson's power will net him results that the Vikings are going to need. 

Forte can tally up points in a variety of ways and he will do just that this season. Forte is going to have a big year.