Stanford’s Kyle Murphy enjoyed a successful junior season at right tackle for the Cardinal, but struggled in 2015 when forced to move to the left side.
OT Kyle Murphy
College: Stanford
Year: Senior
Birth Year: N/A
Height: 6-7
Weight: 301
Strengths
Large frame with ideal strength and length for tackle
When technique is right, strength to drive defenders off the ball
Takes good angles to seal off defenders
Fires low off the ball as a run blocker, great first step
Strong get-off to reach landing spot in pass protection
Length to run defenders up the arc
Re-anchors well against bull rushers
Experience and awareness to recognize stunts and intricate blitzes up front
Below average athlete for the position, moves poorly in space
Lacks the quickness and agility to hit second level blocks or be effective as a puller
Catches instead of punching in pass protection, allows defenders to hinge his elbows, work into his frame
Heavy-legged waist-bender, struggles to mirror speed rushers and doubles over trying to punch in pass pro
Gets over-extended as a run blocker, needs to bring lower half into blocks
Inconsistent hand placement, shoots to shoulders rather than chests
Upright in pass protection, allows defenders to gain leverage under his pads
On the ground too often, poor balance and coordination
Want to see more tenacity and nastiness in the trenches
A former five-star recruit, Kyle Murphy has been a crucial part of one of the best offensive lines in the country at Stanford, starting every game in 2014 at right tackle, then every game at left tackle this past season. Sporting ideal size, length and power for the position, Murphy looks good on the hoof with a well-built frame and proportionate muscle distribution. Unfortunately his substantial physical measurables don’t appear to match his athleticism traits, which leaves a lot to be desired.
As a run blocker, Murphy struggles mightily at the second level and in space, getting over-extended and failing to maintain blocks the majority of the time. He spends too much time on the ground, laboring to change directions against quicker defenders and often losing his balance completely. This lack of coordination will make Murphy largely ineffective in anything other than a gap-heavy scheme at the next level, where he can use his strength and impressive first-step burst to drive defenders off the ball.
In pass protection Murphy is a mixed bag, showing an explosive kick-slide and strong hands, but inconsistent technique and footwork. He wins with natural tools more than anything, as Murphy’s frame is difficult for bull rushers to move even if he doesn’t anchor well initially. His length is an asset to run edge rushers up the arc, but Murphy doesn’t have the foot quickness to match, and faster ends could give him issues.
In the end Murphy is a heady, experienced player, who is probably better suited at right tackle than left in the NFL.
Murphy impressed me when I watched his 2014 tape this summer, but looked overmatched far too often in 2015. He’s going to struggle against the level of athlete he’ll face in the NFL, but Murphy’s power as a run blocker is enticing if the next coach can develop his technique. I think he’s a year away from being a desirable starter, and even then there are limitations on Murphy. Right now he looks like an early third day guy who has to land in the right spot to be successful.
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draftwire.usatoday.com]
