During this NFL Lockout, the Raider Nation has discussed a wide range of topics, including things like coaching and quarterback play.
One major topic, however, has been wide receiver play. Or lack thereof, for that matter.
The one thing Raider fans can agree on is that the receivers need to step up their game in order for the offense to take that next stride towards being elite.
Everyone agrees that this will be a big year for Jacoby Ford. That Darrius Heyward-Bey needs to prove he's not a bust. That Chaz Schilens must stay healthy.
One guy who is really being overlooked this offseason, however, is Louis Murphy.
Murphy was arrested for having Viagra without a prescription and then resisting arrest.
After that, he has gone relatively unnoticed in the news.
Murphy was drafted in the fourth round in 2009, and wasn't expected to contribute much to the Raiders at first.
He was a pleasant surprise that year, racking up 34 receptions for 521 yards and 4 touchdowns.
2010 was supposed to be a breakout year for Murphy, but he was relatively disappointing. He missed two games to injury but overall improved his stats from the previous year, with 41 receptions, 609 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Murphy was a starter in 2009, but in 2010 he lost his spot in favor of the rookie, Ford. Yet somehow he managed to make a better contribution to the team.
Louis might not be getting a lot of publicity this offseason, but we should all be expecting a big year from him.
He's got the size at 6'3", 215 pounds. The speed with a 4.4 40 yard dash. And now Murphy is entering that third NFL season, the time when receivers are supposed to "get it."
He posted the best receiving numbers of the Raiders' receivers last year in limited time. Just think what he could do with a full starting sea...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
