Instincts, production should make Murray first ILB picked
The way Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray talked about football at the scouting combine should have been right in the wheelhouse of Broncos coach/ football guy Vic Fangio.
“To me, football isn’t just recreation,” Murray said. “It’s a lifestyle, and I think that’s why the game means so much to me.”
If Fangio believes Murray can be an immediate cog to his defense, as Roquan Smith was in Chicago two years ago, the Broncos could wait on taking a receiver or cornerback or offensive tackle with the 15th pick and choose Murray.
Todd Davis and Alexander Johnson are the current starters at inside linebacker, but Murray has the tools to be an every-down player.
“I truly do believe I’m the best inside linebacker in this draft,” Murray said. “I believe (that) from a leadership standpoint. I believe (that) from an athletic standpoint.”
Murray started all 42 games of his Oklahoma career and had seasons of 78, 155 and 102 tackles.
“I think No. 9 (Murray) might be the best linebacker in the country,” LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger told reporters before the Tigers’ College Football Playoff semifinal game against Oklahoma. “He’s instinctive, and he’s fast. He covers swing routes and runs down backs. He’s a special player, and we have to account for him on every play.”
LSU’S offensive juggernaut rolled over Oklahoma, 63-28, but Ensminger is right — teams had to keep constant track of Murray.
To reach the semifinal game, the Sooners had to complete the two-game season sweep of Baylor. In the Big 12 title game, Murray played 52 charted snaps.
• He played 44 snaps off the ball as the middle linebacker and on eight snaps (mostly third down), he lined up as an on-the-ball outside linebacker.
• He made 10 tackles (including a sack) and missed two tackles.
• Two plays stood out. On a run blitz, he was too fast for the tight end to deliver a block and made the tackle for loss. And on a thirdand-3 play, he appeared to be assigned to the running back in coverage before dodging a block (showing great balance) and demonstrating big-time closing speed to get the sack in 5.32 seconds.
• He played exclusively zone coverage when at middle linebacker but showed good technique while retreating as he kept his head turned toward the quarterback.
Murray appeared to be in the right position at the right time, which he credits to his aforementioned passion for preparation.
“I’m an extremely instinctual player,” he said. “I watched between five and six hours of tape every day. First guy in the building in the morning watching film with my position coach. Those things, they pay off, and I’m able to use them on (game day).”
If drafted by the Broncos, Murray’s next challenge will be serving as Fangio’s voice on the field.
“I made the calls and checks all three years at Oklahoma,” Murray said. “I came in as a true freshman and was the general of the defense so making the calls, making the checks, being a leader — it’s something I’m naturally good at. It’s something I was just naturally born to do.”