Where does ‘difference-making’ OU linebacker Kenneth Murray rank among other LB prospects in 2020 NFL draft?
Is Kenneth Murray still a likely first-round pick?
The Oklahoma junior linebacker has been projected as a first-round prospect for much of the draft season. He’s currently slated to go to the Las Vegas Raiders with pick No. 19 in NFLMockDraftDatabase’s consensus mock draft.
But he’s a fringe first-rounder in the latest Fanspeak-Steve big board, and he was recently rated as the fourth-best “traditional” linebacker by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler in his latest linebacker rankings.
Don’t be fooled, though, as Murray isn’t necessarily “falling” in scouts’ minds. Instead, it’s more of a case of other players – like LSU’s Patrick Queen and Wisconsin’s Zack Baun — seeing their draft stock rise. Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons was ranked as Brugler’s top LB, followed by Queen and Baun.
As you would imagine.@KennethMurray would absolutely light dudes up on Friday nights. #TXHSFB
🎥: https://t.co/YEYBf82JLI pic.twitter.com/6uJonLSZuk
— Zack Poff (@Zack_Poff_MP) February 14, 2020
“Although he doesn’t consistently anticipate the action and must tweak his tackling approach, Murray’s instant speed is the equalizer, flowing fast and attacking alleys. He is overflowing with adrenaline and displays the competitive spirit that will win over a coaching staff.”
Brugler also said Murray’s “outstanding play speed and relentless energy” likely makes him a three-down linebacker at the next level, adding that Murray has “difference-making traits.”
At 6-foot-2, 243 pounds, Murray put up huge numbers all three years at Oklahoma, finishing with career totals of 325 tackles, 36.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He had an OU-record 28 tackles in a 2018 game against Army.
Murray is currently ranked as the No. 35 overall prospect in the latest Fanspeak-Steve big board.
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