Draft Profile Series: Trent Murphy
- Updated: May 1, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as a mock draft.
Trent Murphy, OLB/DE, 6-5, 250, Stanford
Key stats: Had 62 tackles, 23.5 for loss and 15 sacks in 2013.
Strengths: Highly-productive player. … Has thick build and huge hands, that help him win battles with offensive linemen. … Technically-sound edge-setter, who anchors and keeps leverage against tackles and tight ends. … High motor and knowledgeable performer, that quickly reads plays. … Very disciplined. … Able to play in space as a zone defender. … Has knack of getting into passing lanes and knocking down throws. … Has nice array of rush moves. … Is good at getting tackles to overextend then bull rushing them into the quarterbacks lap. …
Weaknesses: Isn’t going to wow anyone with his athletic ability. … Has average speed and needs to gain more strength. … Is a bit of a tweener. … Won’t make a living in coverage, but will have to improve his ability to catch the ball. … Is a bit stiff in his movements, especially when not going forward. … Was surrounded by a lot of talented players that had to help his production.
Conclusion: A tweener whose biggest question is: Can he stand up and play in space as an outside linebacker in a 3-4? … If not, he’ll likely need to add bulk and muscle to play down as a 4-3 end. … Murphy is just a solid football player, and given the right situation, can be a valuable asset on defense. … He is a leader and is a detail-oriented player that just makes plays.
NFL comparison: Calvin Pace/Paul Kruger.
Draft projection: Second or third round.
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