2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma Sooners
Career Snapshot
Three-year starter who earned Third Team All-America honors and made 102 tackles (17 for loss) with four sacks and four pass breakups as a junior in 2019. Earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors, led the conference with 155 tackles and added 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two pass breakups as a sophomore. Named Co-Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and made 77 tackles (7.5 for loss) with one sack.
Positives
Explosive run-and-chase linebacker with the ability to make plays in every direction of the field. Remains disciplined with assignments, does not bite on ball fakes and shows great suddenness. Incredibly quick, fluidly scrapes laterally and finds a way to slip through blocks to make the play. Has a violent nature, goes after opponents and displays outstanding pursuit speed.
Explosive, flies around the action and shows a great closing burst. Gets depth on pass drops and breaks down well. Easily changes direction and immediately alters his angle of attack. Tough and plays through pain.
Negatives
Displays marginal instincts in coverage and can be slow to pick up responsibilities. Inefficient and does not always take proper angles to the action. Will struggle to handle blocks at the next level.
Analysis
Murray has been a tremendous linebacker the past two years for Oklahoma and is the type of defender teams desire at the position these days. He plays with great speed and violence and covers a tremendous amount of area on the field. Murray must improve his play against the pass, but he comes with upside and offers scheme versatility.