After a productive season last year in Minnesota, RB Latavius Murray signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Murray operated as the backup to Dalvin Cook who was primarily the featured back of the offense. But when Cook was sidelined with injuries, Murray thrived as the lead back. In a five week stretch with Cook out, Murray rushed for 353 yards and 5 scores.
Now, Murray finds himself in the Saints backfield alongside superstar Alvin Kamara. While it might seem concerning at first that Murray is finding himself behind a more talented runner, the Saints have historically been more distributive of their RB splits. Murray should find himself slotted into Mark Ingram’s previous role as the change-of-pace back behind Kamara. Ingram finished as the RB32 last year despite missing the first four games with a suspension (Cook finished RB30 for reference). In his 12 games played, Ingram tallied 138 carries for 645 yards and six scores.
Going into 2018 drafts, Ingram was being targeted in the fifth round even with a lingering suspension looming over him. Murray is currently situated as a 7th round selection which makes him appear as a discount to Ingram in the similar role. There’s some very nice upside to Murray being in such a prolific offense, especially since he’s one Kamara injury away from being a fantasy cheat code
In the team’s first preseason game against the Vikings, Murray was used multiple times in the opening drive. Murray recorded two catches for 17 yards, and rushed for 8 yards on two carries. The following drive he rushed once for 6 yards and caught another pass for 5 yards before the first quarter ran out and his day came to a close. Murray’s promising performance showcased his potential in the passing game similar to how Ingram operated in both facets of the game.
While his current situation is not exactly the sexiest sitting behind Kamara, Murray does offer serious appeal being the most important fantasy handcuff. The Saints offense has shown to be so electric, that in the event of an Alvin Kamara injury Murray would be immediately thrust into RB1 territory. He’s worth the flyer in the 7th-8th round and should definitely be handcuffed if you’re lucky enough to snag Kamara early in your draft.
