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Eric Murray,CB, Minnesota: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Raekwon Gilbert

Dec 28, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Eric Murray (31) hold up the trophy after winning the Quick Lane Bowl against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Ford Field. Minnesota won 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Sage Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Eric Murray (31) hold up the trophy after winning the Quick Lane Bowl against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Ford Field. Minnesota won 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Sage Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Quick Bio: Eric Murray started in 39 straight games (played in 52 career games) in University of Minnesota’s secondary. In four years, Murray recorded 198 career tackles, 24 passes defended, and two interceptions. During his senior year, Murray was tabbed All-Big Ten Third Team. In his junior year, he was selected All-Big Ten Second Team.

Measurables

Height: 6’0

Weight: 200 lbs

Projected 40-time: 4.58

Strengths

Physical corner with long arms (31 1/2inches) and wins at the point of attack because of his gifted physicality. Has great field awareness which translate to his understanding of the opponent’s tendencies. Does a good job at being physical in the run game. Doesn’t have a problem with holding his own against bigger, more physical wide outs. One of the better run-support corners in the nation.

Though Murray doesn’t have the best ball skills, he naturally knows how to disrupt the ball between the receiver (24 career pass breakups). Plays best when asked to play in a Cover-2 role where he only plays 14 yards down. If taught, Murray could make the transition to strong safety or play in a nickel safety role.

The perfect scheme fit for Murray would be with a team that runs a defense similar to a Tampa-2 defense. Has a nice frame that could hold u to 210 lbs. Forces receivers to beat him at the line of scrimmage. His hand placement against faster, more quick wideouts is impressive along with his patience.

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Weakness

Not as good as advertised around the Big 10 conference. Showed flashes while playing in zone coverage but is a liability when playing man to man. It’s not that he isn’t athletic enough to keep up with receivers but the fact that he doesn’t technically know how to defend deep like most of the top corners in the nation. Has impressive size and decent speed but when in space, his hip movements causes issues. Murray isn’t very swift in his footwork and tends to guess when back towards the quarterback.

It is not very often that you find a corner as physical as Murray but that same trait leads him to get called on penalties. Does ok in close space but shouldn’t be asked to play inside. Doesn’t have elite quickness from sideline to sideline. With only two career interceptions, NFL teams are going to question his ball skills.

Final Projection: 4th-5th rounder 

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