The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray.
What he can do
– Play speed is insane. Some guys look like they’re playing the game at a different speed than everyone else. He’s one of those guys
– Speed causes big problems. Often beats guys to spots to blow up plays
– Closing speed in space is a “wow” trait
– Wrecks the horizontal game with sideline-to-sideline speed
– Takes confident and aggressive angles defending the edge
– Explosiveness makes him a devastating delayed blitzer and quarterback spy
– Erases throws to the flat
– Athleticism and long arms help him shrink passing windows
– Can be a violent, body-shattering tackler. Crazy arm length provides wide tackling radius
– Shedding blocks is a work in progress but tape is littered with examples of slipping past blocks at second level
– Competitive fire always burns white-hot
– Might need development retreating into coverage but he’s a heat-seeking missile when playing downhill
– Movement ability creates elite man-to-man coverage potential
– Consistent, easy-to-see improvement over college career
How he fits
Adding Murray would instantly give the Packers a blend of speed and playmaking ability that the inside linebacker position has lacked in Green Bay for years. There could some early growing pains against the run but his explosiveness and range should immediately translate to the pro game and fill one of the defense’s biggest needs. The Packers require a playmaker in the middle of the defense to go from good to great. The wanted ad reads a lot like Murray’s resume.
NFL comp
Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith. Both are explosive, long-armed linebackers with elite play speed and playmaking ability on the move. Murray isn’t as refined as a player overall but his athleticism, frame and competitiveness provide the same Pro Bowl potential.
Where Packers could get him
If he blows up the Scouting Combine, Murray could be gone by 30. Right now, he’s a popular pick for the Packers at 30 in mock drafts based on a combination of evaluation, positional value and team need. Murray to the Packers has to be considered a strong fit at the end of the first round.
Highlights
