49ers big board for 2020 NFL Draft: Bowl games edition

Pros:

• Perfect build for a NFL linebacker
• Possesses sideline-to-sideline speed
• Has ability to get into the backfield either to sack the QB or bring down the running back for a loss
• Sound technique allows him to diagnose plays and attack downfield if needed
• Has a history of productivity at Oklahoma

Cons:

• Inability to shed blocks, mostly shoots through gaps only
• Mostly can only diagnose plays in a reactionary manner rather than anticipating them, meaning he can be a step behind with plays
• Murray needs work with being patient, as he can overpursue and be overaggressive on plays

A fast and physical player, Kenneth Murray pays like a missile around the field making plays for the Oklahoma Sooners. He’s arguably the top linebacker in the draft class, and is a true three-down linebacker for the pro ranks.

You just have to look at Murray to see the tools he possesses. He has perfect size (6-foot-2, 234 pounds) for a linebacker and the speed to back it up. The result is a perfect size-and-speed combination that’s a blistering weapon for the Oklahoma defense.

His biggest weapon is his ability to make plays in the backfield. With 35.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his three years at Oklahoma, Murray has a knack for making play for loss.

Murray is in his element when attacking the line of scrimmage. This would suit the 49ers very well, as their defensive scheme is dependent on athletic linebackers getting into the running holes to disrupt runners in the wide-9 scheme.

Murray’s biggest problem is his inability to shed blocks. Despite his impressive frame, Murray seems lost when he’s facing an offensive lineman and trying to shed a block. He can shoot the gap, but is at risk of disappearing in plays if he has to fight through the offensive line.

Murray can also be guilty of being too quick or too slow on plays. Either he becomes overaggressive and misses the play, or he’s too slow to diagnose what happens and can’t get there in time. He has to work on his timing to reach his ceiling.

Draft range: First round

As the (arguably) top linebacker in the draft, Murray is due to be selected in the first round. However, as a prospect who has some flaws, where he gets selected is a matter of how well he goes in his pre-draft testing.