6 linebackers the Panthers could draft in 2020
By Dean Jones
Kenneth Murray – (Oklahoma)
Oklahoma’s tackling Phenom Kenneth Murray is a projected first-round pick who has wowed NFL scouts throughout the evaluation process.
His final season with the Sooners was nothing short of sensational and he has played at an elite level for the majority of his college career.
Murray accumulated an exceptional 102 tackles to go alongside four sacks and four pass deflections in 2019. He always seems to be around the ball and he is blessed with incredible instincts in a competitive environment.
He is a versatile linebacker and he can operate in the middle or on the outside, which is another massive benefit for any team looking for immediate defensive help. Murray is a superb run defender and he possesses fantastic aggression at the point of attack.
Murray’s athleticism also allows him to make an impact on passing downs and he covers opposing receivers or tight ends well. All of these skills are invaluable in the NFL and further reflect his ceiling when he gets to the pros.
There is nothing Murray cannot do from a defensive standpoint and he has the mentality to make a real success of his NFL career. His 115 tackles in 2018 were the best in the country and his performance propelled him into the conversation of best players in the college system
Murray’s unrivaled energy and will to win makes him an intriguing prospect if the Carolina Panthers want to find Luke Kuechly’s replacement at the first possible opportunity.