Draft Profile: Trent Murphy DE/OLB Stanford
Draft Profile: Trent Murphy DE/OLB Stanford
By Chris Schisler
Trent Murphy is a very solid prospect to say the least. Murphy looks more like an outside linebacker in a 3-4 than a defensive end but could play either position very well. Murphy is 6’6” and 250 pounds. He has long arms and is gifted at knocking down short passes from quarterbacks on the edge. Murphy is a strong player who is willing to sacrifice his body for the good of the team.
Positives
1.) Ideal Size: Murphy looks the part. Murphy is not the most athletic prospect at his position but his size is not an issue.
2.) High FBI: Murphy has a trait that many Stanford football players have; he is intelligent. Most importantly Murphy has a high Football IQ. He understands his responsibilities in run defense, and is good when responsible for outside contain. The more I look at Murphy, the more I am enamored with his football smarts. He does not out run a play and takes good pursuit angles. Murphy is disciplined against the option; he makes the QB make a choice and puts himself in position to make a play either way. The option is not such a big thing in the NFL but the zone read is becoming prevalent. Murphy has tons of experience with this… just ask the Oregon Ducks.
3.) High Motor: Trent Murphy is relentless in his pursuit of the football. I watched Stanford a good bit this past season. I was very impressed with Murphy. He is a good athlete but is not dominantly gifted like a Jadeveon Clowney. His heart makes him a beast.
4.) Textbook tackler: Anyone who knows me knows I am picky when it comes to great tackling. Trent Murphy passes the Chris Schisler eyeball test when it comes to tackling. This is not an easy feat.
Weaknesses/ Concerns
1.) I would like to see more explosiveness from an outside linebacker. He was a good pass rusher in the NFL but this may not translate right away in the pros. There are better athletes at his position all though he has all the intangibles you would want.
Common Sense Prospect Ranking
Murphy is ranked 29th overall on the Common Sense Football Big Board. He has good value as a late 1st round pick to a mid-second rounder.
NFL Comparison: Jared Johnson
Jared Johnson has been in the league since he was drafted by the Ravens in 2003. A veteran starter, Johnson has been a productive player because of his heart and high football IQ. Johnson is now a San Diego Charger.
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