Before the Chiefs draft an entire new draft class to analyze, let’s take a look back at 2016. Our next Rookie Review is safety Eric Murray.
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wanted to slide up in the draft from their third round spot at No. 74 to No. 59 overall, the Chiefs asked for an extra fourth round pick. The Bucs obliged and selected kicker Roberto Aguayo. The Chiefs found themselves taking two defensive backs in a row with the newfound choices, Notre Dame CB KeiVarae Russell and Minnesota DB Eric Murray.
Murray was just a bit undersized but it was obviously hard for John Dorsey to ignore the rest of his resume, which reads like everything the Chiefs love in the secondary. He had plenty of experience (39 starts), the ability to hit hard and break up the pass, as well as versatility to step in at corner and safety. He also had blocked 2 punts in college, which gave Dave Toub something extra to work with on special teams.
Measurements
5-11, 199 lbs.
Key college stats
Named Second and Third All-Big Ten teams in 2014-15, respectively. 24 passes defended in career.
What they said at the time
"“Kansas City lost some key players in their secondary so going CB right after addressing their offense makes sense. DC Bob Sutton will value his aggressiveness in his press-man scheme but Murray likely earns a role as a subpackage corner early on.” -Mark Dulgerian"
One year later
John Dorsey wins most trades. For now, he lost this one. Dorsey should have stayed at No. 59 in hindsight and just taken a player who was rated high enough to take from the players available—perhaps Vonn Bell, Carl Nassib, Bronson Kaufusi, Kevin Byard or Jon Bullard.
While the Buccaneers should be ridiculed for taking a kicker so high, let alone trading up for one, the Chiefs certainly didn’t enjoy their end of this deal either. Not only is KeiVarae Russell now a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, but Murray’s presence hasn’t been felt on the defensive side either. Perhaps Murray becomes a real force in the secondary, but we’re likely years from seeing that happen unless injuries take their toll. Murray is simply too far buried on the depth chart.
Murray has made his mark on special teams, however, and it’s a good thing because he won’t be supplanting Eric Berry, Ron Parker or Daniel Sorensen for at least another year. The Chiefs aren’t the only ones who noticed Murray’s ability on special teams. Pro Football Focus raved about his performance all season long on S/T units, giving him a PFF All-Pro 1st Team honor:
"The term “special teams ace” gets thrown around a lot, but we’re looking to grade more than simply a tally of special teams tackles. Eric Murray was a key part of the Chiefs’ kickoff, kick return, punt coverage, and punt return units. He routinely made impressive blocks in the return game, and was often found beating blockers to force returners to change direction."
It’s certainly not Murray’s fault that the Chiefs are so talented at safety. He’s making the most of it and likely looks ready to step in if/when he’s ever needed on a bigger level.
Summary
A dynamic special teams player who looks ready for more… if it ever comes way.