After drafting Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert with the 6th overall pick to help secure their offensive captain of the future, they traded up to do the same on the other side of the ball.
Murray was seen as the number one Linebacker prospect in the draft.
The Chargers traded their 2nd (37th) and 3rd-round (71st) picks for the Patriots first-round pick (23rd overall).
What did the Chargers see in him that forced them to trade up?
Speed and Athleticism
Murray has excellent speed for a linebacker and should help to make an immediate impact on his side of the ball. His range allows him to track down the ball-carrier from sideline to sideline. Analysts believe that these traits will have no problem transitioning into the NFL where the game is played at a much faster pace.
Leadership and Football IQ
While Herbert will prove to be a leader in the locker room and the field, so too will Murray. For consecutive years he was Oklahoma’s captain on defense and called their plays. He has a high IQ that will help excel at the next level and can help his teammates get into the best position before the snap. He is an influential player that should help be the anchor the Chargers’ defense needs.
Explosive Run-Stopper
Kenneth Murray’s aggressive style of play helps him to make impact plays in the box. He was a consistent force on defense and is a tackling machine. During his time at Oklahoma, his talent helped him lead his team in tackles with 107 last season. No doubt that middle presence will work wonders for the Chargers.
Final Thoughts
The chargers have needed a player like Murray for quite some time. He is a great athlete who can cover his duties inside the box and shut down the run game. Fans shouldn’t have to wait long as Murray will immediately slot in to help out the Chargers’ defense. His character comes with high praise from his coaches and will also help him fit in well with his teammates.
