Murray taking leadership role in first year with Titans

After capturing the 2014 NFL rushing title, DeMarco Murray seemed poised to be a leader whenever he stepped on the field.

He was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles to be the lead runner in Chip Kelly's backfield following his career year. After that experiment dramatically failed, he was shipped to the Tennessee Titans in March, where he's getting back to his old 2014 self.

"He's a really intense guy," Titans' Jack Conklin told The Tennessean's Jason Wolf on Saturday. "You can really see why he did so well in Dallas. He runs hard. Watching him even, just with helmets on in OTAs ... he's hard, and if you're not doing something right, he's going to get on you, and that's exactly what you need."

Conklin is also in his first offseason with the Titans after the team used their first-round pick to select the right tackle out of Michigan State at this year's draft. Murray's vocal leadership style isn't something Conklin is accustomed to from his college days, but he appreciates the directness coming from the former All-Pro.

"He's really a vocal guy," said Conklin. "It really keeps everybody on their toes and everyone clicking because they know if they're not doing something right, DeMarco is going to get on you about it. It makes everyone want to be perfect, because, you know, if we give him some space he's going to do something special."

Murray is expected to lead a Titans running game this season that will feature himself, fleet-footed quarterback Marcus Mariota, and rookie power runner Derrick Henry.