Eric Murray NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Chiefs Rookie

POSITIVES

A three-year starter, Eric Murray answered the call in 2015 by not allowing a single touchdown in coverage. Playing in a talented Big Ten, that’s impressive. He’s also a rock star on special teams and blocked two kicks in the 2014 season.

More of a technician than athlete in coverage, Murray uses quick steps to mirror wide receivers on underneath routes. He plays with enough size to take away inside routes off the snap and can get vertical to run down the field without surrendering his cushion.

When asked to jam at the line of scrimmage, Murray is instinctive and tough, and he will roll back the shoulders of receivers with his punch. He’s feisty and relentless when working to redirect receivers and can pin them to the sideline with leverage.

Murray’s traits are that of a future starter, but that will likely come in three-cornerback sets.

NEGATIVES

NFL teams will likely move Murray to slot cornerback given his lack of size and length. He simply does not have the size or speed makeup to hang on the outside of the defense.

Murray doesn’t have the athletic traits of a top-line cornerback prospect and will get caught playing too aggressively for his build near the line of scrimmage. If he doesn’t land home with a punch in press coverage, his lack of recovery speed will be a big issue. Improving his balance in his backpedal to be smoother breaking off the ball will also aid Murray in playing faster receivers.

A lack of vertical ability will show up in the red zone. When the field gets tight and quarterbacks attack over the top, Murray will be a liability. With a grabby, handsy coverage style, he’ll also be a target for pass interference calls on breaking routes.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 199 lbs.

40 Time: 4.49s

3-Cone: 7.08s

Short Shuttle: 4.05s

PRO COMPARISON: Brandon Carr, Dallas Cowboys
FINAL GRADE: 6.00/9.00 (Round 3—Future Starter)