DeMarco Murray NFL Draft Scouting Report

DeMarco Murray
6'1, 207 pounds | Running back | Oklahoma

Acceleration/burst/quickness:  Murray can get to the edge and out run linebackers but he isn't going to out run the defensive back angles. As far as explosion goes Murray is a 2 stepper that can get up to his top speed in a hurry.  Murray doesn't explode off his cuts which slows his progress through the hole.  His non explosive cuts in the backfield limit his change of direction skills.  Murray appears stiff and this is attributed to his up and down running style.  His Pad Level is less than ideal and too high.  The high pad level impacts his balance and allows defenders to easily make tackles.  His lack of balance slows his lateral movement.

Elusiveness:  Lack of elite lateral mobility impacts Murray's ability to consistently make defenders miss at the line of scrimmage. However, he does have some wiggle and can make a defender or two miss.  Murray runs with a high pad level which gives defenders clean shots at his legs.  Murray is most effective when he is in open space.  When in a phone booth he struggles to make defenders miss.

Pass Catching: Murray is a dynamic receiver who uses his hands to pluck the ball out of the air. He can line up in the slot and can gain separation against linebackers and safeties.  He has good balance when running his routes.  Murray has excellent concentration and it shows in the passing game.  Murray focused on the football and cleanly made every catch. .

Pass Blocking:  Murray can identify pre-snap blitzes and has a good feel for when to make the block or to release into a pattern.  Murray is an average blocker in that he didn't show the ability to anchor or mirror.  He was willing and threw his shoulder into the rusher.  Murray was able to cleanly recognize the blitz package and understood when to stand in and block and when to make himself available for a pass. 

Power:  Breaking tackles is not a strong suit of Murray's game due to his lack of balance and high pad level.  However, he does a good job pressing the hole and getting through it quickly.  You are not going to see Murray running through tacklers because he doesn't run behind his pads very well.  His up and down running style doesn't allow him to generate power and finish off plays strong.  However, he does a good job lowering his shoulder when he knows contact is coming.

Size:  At 6-1 210lbs Murray possess average size for an NFL running back.  However, the distribution of the weight is less than ideal as he is thin through the thighs and rear.  Durability is going to be a concern for Murray in the NFL due to his high running style. 

Speed:  Murray is a quick twitch athlete with the ability to get up to full speed in a hurry.  He has the speed to get the edge on a defense and out run linebacker angles.  While he can get up to full speed quickly he lacks a great 2nd gear.

Vision:  Murray isn't a natural runner and struggles to make a quick read when faced with pressure. Murray is more of a 1 cut get down the field back.  He will put his head down and get the yardage available.  Murray doesn't appear to have natural vision as he hesitates before accelerating through the hole.  His slow diagnosis of what to do when faced with pressure led to loss of yardage.  However, Murray didn't do much dancing in the backfield; he understood the importance of getting every available yard. 

Final Word:  Overall, Murray's best fit might be as a third down back where he can utilize his dynamic pass catching abilities.  He would benefit from landing on a team with a creative offensive coordinator that wont be afraid to line him up in the slot.  Murray's ability to contribute to the passing game may put him in the 4th round range.  However, he doesn't appear to be anything special as a running back.