Scouting Report: Oklahoma Running Back DeMarco Murray

You will find one of the most exciting and explosive prospects in this year’s draft in former Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray. While many analysts do not have Murray in their top five at the running back position, he certainly could be a player to keep an eye on in the NFL with big play capability. At 6’0”, 213 lbs., he is quicker than bigger backs but does not have the ability to run through defenders such as a prospect like Alabama RB Mark Ingram. He has put solid numbers during his four-year career as a Sooner, putting up 3,685 yards rushing on 759 attempts along with 50 touchdowns. Murray was named second-team All-Big 12 for his junior season in 2009 and first-team All-Big 12 for 2010. He is also the all-time leader in Oklahoma history for touchdowns, all-purpose yards, points, and receiving yards for a running back. Here is a full report on Murray, including what he does best and aspects of his game that he needs to work on.

Strengths

Patience and Burst

Murray shows what many young running backs have a tough time with, and that is patience on outside run plays. He doesn’t get too anxious and gives plays time for the hole to develop. On top of that, Murray shows great acceleration and burst through the hole when it develops. His explosion is phenomenal and he makes linebackers who are too slow to their assignment pay by getting into the secondary.

Versatility

As I mentioned in the opening paragraph of this scouting report, Murray is Oklahoma’s all-time leader in receiving yards by a running back. In 2010, he rushed for a total of 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns. On top of that, he caught 71 passes for 594 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also had 10 kick returns for 249 yards during his senior season. Any team that is looking for a versatile player that can make big plays in different phases of the game should have Murray on their draft board.

Pass Protection

This is another phase of the game where young running backs struggle, but is one of Murray’s many strengths. Typically, younger running backs struggle with both the physical and mental parts to pass blocking. Many show bad technique in getting under a defender’s pads and get pushed back into the pocket. Murray shows good form in standing up blitzing linebackers and secondary players. He also has shown on tape that he is capable of consistently picking up his assignment against different blitz packages.

Weaknesses

Upright Running Style

Running the ball upright is not necessarily always bad (see Eric Dickerson and Adrian Peterson), but can be a problem for small running backs like DeMarco Murray. Running with that style can leave a back more vulnerable to big hits which lead to fumbles. I would like to see Murray do a better job of breaking down and driving his legs into defenders when he hits them in the hole. This will lead to a few extra yards and will help him avoid shots from bigger defenders.

Making the First Defender Miss

When Murray breaks into the third level of the defense and has some space to work with, he can be lethal for defenses. However, at times he can’t get into space because he fails to make the first defender miss. When watching him on tape, his lack of body control hurts him when he hits the hole. While he is a very mobile running back, Murray sometimes tries to do too much to get around a defender and does not make an effective move. He needs to improve his body control to give him more opportunities in space and do what he does best.

Running North and South

While he is patient on outside run plays, Murray sometimes will push plays too far outside and loses yards. When the outside is contained by the defense, he needs to turn up the field and get the yardage that he can instead of getting caught in the backfield. At times he will spend too much time dancing at the line of scrimmage instead of hitting the hole hard and picking up a solid gain. Murray will not have a chance to hesitate in the backfield in the NFL as defenders will catch him and drop him for negative yardage.

Projected Round: 3^rd-4^th

NFL Comparison: Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons

Home/NFL Draft