49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Offensive tackle Pace Murphy
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise’s 2018 “Who Is?” series looks at San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Pace Murphy, his potential fit as a swing tackle and if he’ll make the 53-man roster this season.
The San Francisco 49ers‘ 2018 training camp and preseason will probably be the only times you hear anything about veteran offensive tackle Pace Murphy before the regular season kicks off in September.
Murphy, to his credit, has managed to stick around NFL ranks after being selected by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent back in 2016. He appeared in two games his rookie year before his cut from L.A., subsequently being signed to the Niners practice squad in 2017.
Heading into 2018, the former Northwestern State product will be competing for a depth role on San Francisco’s revamped offensive line.
It’s not going to be an easy task. Aside from penciled-in starters at tackle, Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey, the 49ers already have a number of solid swing tackle options ahead of Murphy on the depth chart.
So what will Murphy need to do to better his chances heading into 2018?
Why Pace Murphy Improves in 2018
At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Murphy has a good body type for the position. He ran a 5.16 40-yard time at his pro day back in 2016, which isn’t bad for an offensive lineman. Speed and movement skills are a necessity for head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers offense.
Murphy would need to showcase his athleticism at a high level to earn consideration. If he’s able to effectively manage his blocking techniques, particularly in pass protection, he’ll have an outside shot to climb up the depth chart.
Why He Regresses
To date, Murphy hasn’t done a whole lot to warrant much consideration. A year ago, when the Niners were dealing with some attrition along the offensive line, they elected to go with 2017 rookies Erik Magnuson and Darrell Williams Jr. as options.
Magnuson, in particular, has the ability to play all of the positions along the O-line. Murphy is listed as only a tackle on San Francisco’s 90-man offseason roster. This doesn’t mean much. But flexibility and versatility are key attributes for players on the back end of a depth chart. If Murphy can’t showcase the ability to bump inside to guard, his roster chances will be negligible at best.
Combine that with reported struggles against bull rushers, and one can see Murphy being little more than a camp body this offseason.
Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2018
He’s a long shot at best. San Francisco has more vested interest in Magnuson, along with veterans Mike Person and Garry Gilliam, to hold down a vital swing tackle role this season. There’s always a chance Murphy outperforms any of these players during training camp, but that’s a bit of a reach.
Murphy could better his chances by doubling as a guard this offseason. The Niners have more pressing questions along the interior of the O-line, and added depth is never a bad thing there.
Particularly if Murphy adds some versatility to his profile.
Even so, making the 53-man roster will be extremely difficult for the 24-year-old veteran. He’ll probably see a bit of time in the preseason, late in games for the first three weeks and perhaps a starting nod in Week 4.
Next: Looking at the 49ers' top 5 position battles to watch in training camp
After that, Murphy is likely heading back to the practice squad.