2014 NFL Draft: Defensive End Prospects You Should Know

Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Trent Murphy – 6’6 261lbs – Stanford

Of all the players on Stanford’s illustrious defense, Murphy could very well be the most versatile. Murphy has played in nearly every position on Stanford’s 3-4 defensive line. In 2011, Murphy totaled 40 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and 6.5 sacks. Very good stats for a freshman and Murphy only improved in 2012. He had 56 tackles, 10 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, four passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble as a sophomore. So far this year, Murphy has 33 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and one interception that he returned 30 yards for a touchdown. With numbers like that, I don’t see how he could make it out of the first round. He is probably the hardest hitter on this list that plays in the 3-4 scheme. I can’t very well say he’s harder hitter than Clowney considering the highlight hit heard around the world against Michigan, but he’s close and a force to be reckoned with. Murphy has been awarded the Pac-12’s Best Defensive Player of the Week twice so far this year. I believe Murphy will likely be drafted late in the first round and if not, any team who snags him early in the second round will be getting a hell of a steal.