2011 NFL Draft, 50 in 50: DeMarco Murray - RB - Oklahoma (28 of 50)
by Drew Kerr on Apr 7, 2011 6:02 PM PDT
in 50 in 50
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PrintThe 49ers will have just two rostered running backs heading in to the 2011 season. With that, it will be most likely that they will be looking to add another through the draft if they decide not to bring back Brian Westbrook. There's also the slim chance that something will get done between the players and owners soon and the results would give options through free agency as well.
Whether it be a veteran or rookie, one thing is for sure... Frank Gore will continue to get a majority of the work load. Anthony Dixon showed last year that he is a viable option when in the red zone but beyond that he didn't really provide much else.
The bottom line is that the 49ers will almost indefinitely see another face or two at that position once the final cuts are made.
Running backs over the years have become less valuable through the draft. Unless a guy has Adrian Peterson caliber talent, which doesn't come along in every draft, most teams have been looking for talent in mid to later rounds.
The 49ers will need to look for a running back that is sound at catching passes out of the backfield.
With that, after the jump, I give you DeMarco Murray...
Murray was one of the most versatile running backs in college football. This video illustrates that perfectly. Whether it be a swing pass out of the backfield, or a run up the gut, Murray was nothing short of a spectacular college football player. I have heard comparison's drawn to the likes of players like Marcus Allen and Eric Dickerson. Although, they could be considered decent comparison's, the NFL has changed a lot since those two mentioned were playing. Based off of watching him over the last four years, it seems as though Murray has all the tools to be extremely successful at the next level.
Here are his career stats at Oklahoma:
Stats Overview
Rushing
Receiving
Fumbles
YEAR
ATT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
REC
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
FUM
LST
2007
127
764
6.0
92
13
14
60
4.3
25
0
0
0
2008
179
1002
5.6
70
14
31
395
12.7
34
4
0
0
2009
171
705
4.1
38
8
41
522
12.7
67
4
0
0
2010
282
1214
4.3
63
15
71
594
8.4
76
5
0
0
2010 Regular Season Game Log
Rushing
Receiving
Fumbles
DATE
OPP
RESULT
ATT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
REC
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
FUM
LST
9/4
Utah State
W 31-24
35
208
5.9
63
2
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
0
9/11
Florida State
W 47-17
16
51
3.2
8
2
4
52
13.0
22
0
0
0
9/18
Air Force
W 27-24
26
110
4.2
13
2
5
38
7.6
17
1
0
0
9/25
@Cincinnati
W 31-29
28
67
2.4
9
1
7
21
3.0
9
0
0
0
10/2
Texas
W 28-20
25
115
4.6
20
2
4
31
7.8
19
0
0
0
10/16
Iowa State
W 52-0
20
112
5.6
28
2
2
28
14.0
15
1
0
0
10/23
@Missouri
L 36-27
12
49
4.1
20
0
8
48
6.0
13
1
0
0
10/30
Colorado
W 43-10
11
40
3.6
16
1
10
73
7.3
16
0
0
0
11/6
@Texas A&M
L 33-19
25
80
3.2
17
1
10
67
6.7
21
0
0
0
11/13
Texas Tech
W 45-7
9
79
8.8
39
0
2
16
8.0
12
1
0
0
11/20
@Baylor
W 53-24
13
62
4.8
13
1
6
120
20.0
76
1
0
0
11/27
@Oklahoma State
W 47-41
20
80
4.0
18
0
6
41
6.8
11
0
0
0
12/4
@Nebraska
W 23-20
17
68
4.0
12
0
5
60
12.0
19
0
0
0
2010 Postseason Game Log
Rushing
Receiving
Fumbles
BOWL
OPP
RESULT
ATT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
REC
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
FUM
LST
TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL
Connecticut
W 48-20
25
93
3.7
14
1
2
-1
-0.5
0
0
0
0
Summary: After Adrian Peterson left the Sooners in 2007, Murray stepped in as a freshman and proved to the nation that the Sooners were not going to miss Peterson as much as some thought at the time. Over his career, Murray continued to progress and in his senior year at Oklahoma, he had his best overall statistical and productive year out of all four. Murray may or may not be a feature back once he hits the NFL, it really all depends on the type of offense that he is drafted to and who else is on the roster already. I believe the former Oklahoma running back will make an immediate impact for the team that drafts him. His best fit would probably be in a West-Coast offense. Even so, I fully expect him to be good no matter where he goes.
PREDICTION: 2nd - 3rd Round.
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I heard things that he runs high.
True or not true
Kellen Moore is awesome
Katie Mcgrath is our savior
my dog <3
by manraj7 on Apr 7, 2011 6:54 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I hope it's in a Roger Craig kind of way
Roger always had his legs running high, to bowl over the Rams!
by wellnesscoach on Apr 7, 2011 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Ricky Williams runs high too
I do sometimes as well. Its relaxing and lets you focus on your breathing.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Apr 7, 2011 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Drew K Strikes Again
Dude, why are your “analyses” so biased toward your opinions? You say things like
“Anthony Dixon showed last year that he is a viable option when in the red zone but beyond that he didn’t really provide much else.”as if this is fact. In reality, you couldn’t be more wrong. Dixon tore things up in pre-season, and he looked really good in limited action during the regular season.
He is a tough runner, but he is also insanely agile and athletic for his size. His speed and athleticism tend to lead him to dance too much hoping he can elude a couple defenders and tear off a big play. I firmly believe he can fix this. He is an extremely humble guy who is very passionate about the game and helping his team win. It’s pretty safe to assume that he’s working his butt off during this lockout to earn more playing time.
He absolutely has all the strength, speed, agility, and athleticism that he needs to be a featured back. Give him another year behind Gore and there’s a very good chance he could take Gore’s spot.
Check out this video of him playing against the Colts. Even with CARR in there, even with our predictable offense, Dixon was still tearing off big chunks of yardage.
Also check out this video of all 230 pounds of hurdling a defender. Great athleticism!
I know what you’re going to say, he really only played in the pre-season and you can’t judge by that. But also consider this: no matter well they played in pre-season, we didn’t hold onto Kory Sheets or the guy before him. But we DID hold onto Dixon on our 53 man roster. That really says something about the trust the coaches have in him.
(Re the conflicting Harbaugh reports:) If you were to pass Harbaugh's $50,000 bathroom this week, you'd hear raucous laghter. The source? The man himself laughing his face off as he fires off "anonymous" tweets and texts from "sources" to the prominent beat writers and media folk.
by Riding The F Train on Apr 7, 2011 6:55 PM PDT reply actions
to be fair
and i mostly agree that drewk is being too critical of Dixon. But Dixon would be on the practice squad like Sheets and Clayton before him if Coffee hadn’t quit in training camp.
by allforfunnplay on Apr 7, 2011 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree that Dixon is better that Coffee 'cause Coffee was just horrible...
But I really doubt that Dixon will ever be a feature back. As I mentioned above, he was a great back to have in the RZ, but even given that, I still would prefer to have the ball in Gore’s hands.
Two years ago when the 49ers lost to the Cards on MNF in AZ when Martz called three runs up the gut, Dixon prob woulda pounded that one in… I am not completely biased as suggested below.
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
Of course Gore is better than Dixon
but I see no reason that Dixon cannot be a feature back. He’s certainly durable enough. He has good hands out of the backfield. He can make people miss in space – great use of the stiff arm. He’s very passionate and willing to put in the work.
I’d love to add a speed back, because neither Dixon or Gore has breakaway speed.
Also, I really don’t like having a “feature back” in a league that uses multiple backs. Of course since Gore is so awesome and versitile we don’t need to change our approach too much. But if Gore were gone I think Dixon + speed back + quality FB would be a great backfield.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
by goatfather on Apr 7, 2011 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dixon's style generally doesn't impact first year in limited carries
He needs 15 carries a game and he’ll pop 2 or 3 20 yarders. His style is very similar to Bettis or Natrone Means.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Apr 7, 2011 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions
That really says something about the trust the coaches have in him
Which coaches?
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
Singletary?
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
What you quoted says "coaches" which is plural.
I wonder if the running backs coach has any say about running backs… hmmm
I think his post was unfairly critical. We all have biases. But Dixon is not a red zone guy, he’s an all around BEAST.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
Pretty sure the head coach is the guy who decides who suits up and more importantly gets on the field.
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
So you're saying its not possible
that both Sing and Rathman liked him?
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
No that's not what I am saying at all...
What I am saying is he was drafted for a specific reason, and it’s unlikely that the reason was to spell Gore once he’s run out of gas.
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
Isn't that why back-up running backs are added to the team?
To back up or “spell” (I hate that term) the starting running back?
I understand your implication in the original response. That Singletary is a terrible coach and why should we care what he thought with regards to keeping Dixon. However, it does say “coaches” and Rathman was and is the RBs coach. So the original implication doesn’t quite hold.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
Lets Not Forget
From what I’ve read, the Niners had Dixon rated much higher. When he fell to them in such a late round, it would’ve been idiotic not to have picked him up. Quite frankly, the Niners consider him a steal. Since then, he has proven why they liked him so much
(Re the conflicting Harbaugh reports:) If you were to pass Harbaugh's $50,000 bathroom this week, you'd hear raucous laghter. The source? The man himself laughing his face off as he fires off "anonymous" tweets and texts from "sources" to the prominent beat writers and media folk.
by Riding The F Train on Apr 7, 2011 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions
AKA
Dixon was probably a Baalke pick.
(Re the conflicting Harbaugh reports:) If you were to pass Harbaugh's $50,000 bathroom this week, you'd hear raucous laghter. The source? The man himself laughing his face off as he fires off "anonymous" tweets and texts from "sources" to the prominent beat writers and media folk.
by Riding The F Train on Apr 7, 2011 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions
So Again, Poor Choice of Words on My Part
Perhaps I should have said the organization had trust in him
(Re the conflicting Harbaugh reports:) If you were to pass Harbaugh's $50,000 bathroom this week, you'd hear raucous laghter. The source? The man himself laughing his face off as he fires off "anonymous" tweets and texts from "sources" to the prominent beat writers and media folk.
by Riding The F Train on Apr 7, 2011 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions
After reading what you wrote there, can you honestly say that YOUR opinion is any less bias?
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
by Drew Kerr on Apr 7, 2011 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Drew K...good post.
Just try to take the criticism a bit lightly instead of getting defensive. The people came here to read an article and if they don’t like it fine..but you can always adjust yourself to make improvements.
"Winning means being unafraid to lose." – Fran Tarkenton
I get that.
But when somebody tries to make an argument in that I am “biased” with an equally biased response, somebody should probably point that out to them.
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
Agreed
Poor choice of words on my part. It’s just that piece like this are really supposed to be an unbiased look at players. Instead you come up with stuff “Dixon’s proven to be nothing more than a goal line back” or “Pondeer sucks”.
(Re the conflicting Harbaugh reports:) If you were to pass Harbaugh's $50,000 bathroom this week, you'd hear raucous laghter. The source? The man himself laughing his face off as he fires off "anonymous" tweets and texts from "sources" to the prominent beat writers and media folk.
by Riding The F Train on Apr 7, 2011 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions
is "Ponder sucks" in there?
I don’t think “Dixon’s proven to be nothing more than a goal like back” is biased. I just think its WRONG! lol
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
No It Isnt
But that was about the extent of his 50 in 50 analysis of Ponder. I think THAT is wrong! lol. At least wrong in and of the injustice of it as an analysis.
(Re the conflicting Harbaugh reports:) If you were to pass Harbaugh's $50,000 bathroom this week, you'd hear raucous laghter. The source? The man himself laughing his face off as he fires off "anonymous" tweets and texts from "sources" to the prominent beat writers and media folk.
by Riding The F Train on Apr 7, 2011 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Here's the thing
If Ponder is rated by almost every major “analyst” to be a top 5 QB, I think its obvious that he’s biased and therefore you take it as it is given. Either that, or Drew K. needs to be working for an NFL team. Take your pick ;-)
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
1st Rounder
He’s rated as a late first-rounder by just about every major analyst now. Drew seems to think he shouldn’t even be drafted
(Re the conflicting Harbaugh reports:) If you were to pass Harbaugh's $50,000 bathroom this week, you'd hear raucous laghter. The source? The man himself laughing his face off as he fires off "anonymous" tweets and texts from "sources" to the prominent beat writers and media folk.
by Riding The F Train on Apr 7, 2011 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions
To be fair. Almost every major analyst was licking Jimmy Clausen's sack
Except for McShay.
McShay was right.
Drew and myself will be proven correct about Ponder in due time.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Apr 7, 2011 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions
we will see...
(Re the conflicting Harbaugh reports:) If you were to pass Harbaugh's $50,000 bathroom this week, you'd hear raucous laghter. The source? The man himself laughing his face off as he fires off "anonymous" tweets and texts from "sources" to the prominent beat writers and media folk.
by Riding The F Train on Apr 7, 2011 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions
LOL goatfather was that sarcasm
Cause I didn’t know who your agreeing with, but anyways I was just trying to make my point which was if I am a mod in this site I would do my best to make sure the visitors feel welcomed regardless of what they had to say.
"Winning means being unafraid to lose." – Fran Tarkenton
by Nelow on Apr 7, 2011 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I agree
as a mod I want as many people possible with the widest ranging opinions on this site. But that won’t happen if I delete, ban, and needlessly warn others to straighten up. I let people fiddle around and inject that they need to play nice. Speak softly and carry a big stick kind of thing. Heated conversations are fun as long as they stay respectful and do not carry onto other threads.
Yeah, Roger Craig was awesome!
Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi
lol I was waiting for that...
And I forgot he took Robinson’s number after we, for some stupid reason, cut him.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
Do you have to be so abrasive? Drew strikes again doesn’t show a whole lot of respect. Say that you disagree and give your reasons. Its a fine post outside of the puffing of chests
by mcwagner on Apr 7, 2011 8:04 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Sorry
But his harsh, sweeping judgements of players that aren’t based on facts just really irritates me. “Ponder Sucks” (even though he was a proven winner in college and is rated very highly by some very respected people) and “Dixon’s nothing more than a goal line back” (even thoug he hasnt had a chance to prove otherwise, but has looked phenomanal in limited action)
(Re the conflicting Harbaugh reports:) If you were to pass Harbaugh's $50,000 bathroom this week, you'd hear raucous laghter. The source? The man himself laughing his face off as he fires off "anonymous" tweets and texts from "sources" to the prominent beat writers and media folk.
by Riding The F Train on Apr 7, 2011 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Harsh sweeping judgements?
Here is the exact quote you ripped into:
"Anthony Dixon showed last year that he is a viable option when in the red zone but beyond that he didn’t really provide much else."
I think it’s really a stretch to call that a harsh sweeping judgement. He didn’t even say anything about Dixon’s potential for the future, he only commented on what Dixon provided last year. The truth is, he didn’t provide much last year, and saying so doesn’t mean you have no faith in him moving forward.
We don't need 8 in the box. We have 52 in the box.
Zero Fumbles
If these stats are accurate he had 759 carries and 157 receptions with no fumbles lost and no fumbles period in his 4 year career.
I think he had 4 fumbles
But impressive still. One fumble per year in that conference. Wow
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
I just remember that being the figure
when we drafted him
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
I'm not saying that you're not right
Just that the stats posted on the top of this discussion say no fumbles.
Because those are how the numbers are recorded
College football is really bad about keeping that stat. Same with tackles
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Apr 8, 2011 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
College is not good about recording fumbles
Gerhardt will all his carries is listed as having no fumbles. Extremely unlikely to begin with… Then I WATCHED him fumble in his bowl game even though he recovered in (I believe in the end zone for TD lol)
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Apr 7, 2011 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions
I think this is brought up on every draft RB thread
For some reason fumbles aren’t recorded or reported on source websites.
colllege play by plays are horrible
like beyond horrible. No details or anything.
Kellen Moore is awesome
Katie Mcgrath is our savior
my dog <3
He won't fall out of the second round
"I always thought that Crabtree was a hard worker. He's not faking it. He's not the type to hide behind the curtain... he's always been a guy that works hard."
---Roger Craig
+1 I don't know where Murray bashing got started
about his running style, but he played huge at OKLA and was a real home run threat anytime he touched the ball . He won’t make it past round 2.
he's either Reggie Bush or Ricky Watters
6’0" 214 lbs
4.48
runs hard inside
above average speed to get on the outside
can break some arm tackles
not elusive
not explosive
up right runner maybe because of height, takes big hits
good receiver
good blocker
IMO could be an excellent West Coast Offense Running Back but he’ll be gone after round 2 and the Niners have much higher priority needs.
I'm confused
how is Reggie Bush not explosive? I’m pretty sure that’s exactly, and only, what he is.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
Not explosive?
They said that about Dickerson too. Murray runs smooth like ED did, and doesn’t have the hurky jurky style that makes people look faster. Watch the video and you see that he’s never caught from behind and usually increases the distance between himself and DB’s on virtually every touch. He’s faster on the field than his timed 40!
Dude is really stiff in the knees.
Runs like McFadden, and CJohnson, but without the speed :(
2nd-3rd round? That’s pretty generous considering Ingram might go late first or early 2nd.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
Ingram is overrated and will struggle at the NFL level -- my opinion
He never faced far and away the best run defense in the SEC. (Alabama’s) When he faced decent defenses he wasn’t particularly special. When he is playing against all dudes that now make him look small he’ll be getting smacked around.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Apr 7, 2011 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
he's not going to run over anyone
but he’s solid. Could very well slip into the 2nd. But the point is, if he’s the best, and he’s going in the early second, I don’t see this guy in the 2nd. Kendall Hunter > Murray
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
Ingram could be very good in the right circumstances
Namely if he gets a big mauling line that opens up huge holes for him. If he has some momentum he can crack, but if he’s having to make moves in the backfield or has to try to pop it outside… The guy will go nowhere.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Apr 8, 2011 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I like Murray and would like to have him, but ...
With our other higher priority needs (QB, CB, OLB) we cannot consider a RB before the fourth round at the earliest; Murray will be long gone by then. Next man up …
by 49erFanSince1950 on Apr 7, 2011 9:57 PM PDT reply actions
Bingo , ( IMO ) FB is a bigger need before RB ...!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
speaking about RBs
Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter to visit #49ers on Monday. From National Football Post. http://bit.ly/e40BgN
Kellen Moore is awesome
Katie Mcgrath is our savior
my dog <3
I developed a draft crush on Hunter
when I saw him doing pass protection drills at the senior bowl. The little guy liked to get his hands dirty
"God tells me he can get me out of this mess, but he's pretty sure you're fucked."-Braveheart
He's pretty damn good
would fit in really well with our offense. But he’s not worth our 2nd.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
Roy Helu jr
I like Helu in the 4th. I admittedly have only seen a little bit of him, but ill take the 6’ 220 lb with 4.4 speed and four years of production in the big 12. I don’t understand why he’s not in the mix in 1/2 range.
by hammystyle on Apr 8, 2011 10:38 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I haven't seen much of him either
but in what I saw it looked like Nebraska’s other RB was better. (can’t remember his name now.)
maybe he’s just really inconsistent?
We don't need 8 in the box. We have 52 in the box.
Could be
But I think it’s more like consistency is a strength, but his flash is lacking. By all accounts he’s a try hard, tough straight ahead runner with good size and speed. He’s even a good passcatcher.
I’m pretty convinced he’s just underrated.
by hammystyle on Apr 8, 2011 2:38 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
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