Kenneth Murray would be a great fit for the Kansas City Chiefs defense

How does he fit Kansas City’s defense

Murray projects to be a starting MIKE or WILL linebacker in the NFL with early success. During his first season or two, he would likely benefit as a WILL linebacker to blitz between the tackles, chasing down runs from the backside and dropping into coverage. After some more development reading the quarterback and working on his coverages in zone, he would become a big impact player from the MIKE position in the middle.

During his rookie season, Murray would have the capability to play all three downs allowing the Chiefs to replace Damien Wilson in nickel packages. Bringing enough physicality and speed to fill gaps against the run, he would provide the Chiefs with a good coverage linebacker that they’ve been missing since the days of Derrick Johnson.

If Kansas City were to draft Murray, it would likely send either Ben Niemann or Dorian O’Daniel packing unless the Chiefs wanted to keep an extra linebacker on the roster. His athletic ability mixed with his size fits what Spagnuolo tends to like in his linebackers.

While the former Oklahoma linebacker would have some struggles in year one, he would be a clear upgrade over what the Chiefs currently have. Spagnuolo could see Murray and look to take advantage of his versatility and athleticism. It would be well worth the selection, even if it meant taking him in the first round.