To the some in the NFL world, Kenneth Murray Jr. is a cautionary tale ... a freak athlete who never found a true position in the league.
But to Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, we think Murray might be something far more dangerous: a risk-free trade ticket to unlocking DeMarvion Overshown-caliber impact at the second level.
We know that's saying a lot; the rehabbing Overshown is a spectacular performer on the field ... dating back to his days at Texas, when he was a rocket ship all over the field at every practice and on Saturdays.
But seriously ...
They're very similar athletes and their relative athletic scores paint a very clear picture:
Kenneth Murray was drafted with pick 23 of round 1 in the 2020 draft class. He scored a 9.89 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 24 out of 2073 LB from 1987 to 2020. https://t.co/ZQ52h53ke1#RASpic.twitter.com/UECnuFY7OH
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 24, 2023
DeMarvion Overshown #RAS so far.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 3, 2023
*Splits Projected pic.twitter.com/H7h3TAFsBS
The recent trade for Murray makes plenty of sense in that regard.
What new defensive coordinator Eberflus did here, we bet, is help Dallas identify a stop-gap linebacker talent who can hold down the fort until Overshown's return ... and we shouldn't be surprised to see Murray deployed in a similar manner.
Another new linebacker, Eberflus favorite Jack Sanborn, who comes here from Chicago via free agency, likely assumes the Eric Kendricks "green dot role,'' while Murray gets to be the "downhill DeMarvion" who purely hunts the football.
Murray’s career with the Chargers (before his $15 million signing with Tennessee) was defined by scheme misfit and role confusion. He was used as a traditional linebacker, occasionally dropped into coverage, sometimes rushed the passer—but never consistently, and never with a clear developmental plan.
More of the same happened in Tennessee, but we say that changes now.
Eberflus is a known "linebacker whisperer.'' His system thrives on instinctive, sideline-to-sideline athletes who can play fast, downhill, and with freedom.
With Micah Parsons commanding front-seven double-teams, Murray could be deployed as a blitzer, a run-and-chase rover, or even in sub-packages designed specifically to weaponize his athletic traits.
Once we accept Dallas spending here (which is supposedly a good thing, right?) ... There’s really no downside with Murray's acquisition ... which is the best part about it.
He comes in with low expectations and high upside. If he fizzles, he’s depth. But if Eberflus taps into the same spark he’s unlocked in guys like Shaquille Leonard, Jaylon Smit and Sean Lee. (if you haven't yet read or heard about what Sean Lee had to say about Matt Eberflus, you should)?
Dallas might’ve just landed a cheat code.
Kenneth Murray Jr. in Dallas isn’t really a reclamation project. This is a calculated gamble ... the kind that play-making defenses are built on.
Related: Cowboys New $40 Million Cap Room Number And 3 Ways To Spend It
Related: Cowboys Offer 'Meaningful' Micah Parsons Contract Proposals Per Sources
