Tag: Chargers Kenneth Murray

Chargers’ Brandon Staley sets expected return date for Kenneth Murray

The former first-round pick should be returning to the practice field real soon.

The Chargers returned Derwin James to the practice field after a 14-day hold-in. Now, they’re set to get back another starter on the defensive side of the ball.

Head coach Brandon Staley said at his media availability that Kenneth Murray is expected to return to practice next Monday, barring any setbacks.

Murray has been sidelined since the start of the team’s offseason workouts after undergoing surgery in early April. Last season, he dealt with the ankle issue, which significantly impacted his performance.

While Murray has missed time at camp, Troy Reeder has had plenty of playing time with the first team, as did Drue Tranquill and Kyle Van Noy before their perspective injuries.

With Murray returning, he should slowly ease back into a sizeable role for the Bolts, as he looks to have a bounce-back season.

Murray posted 107 tackles in his rookie campaign.

Should Chargers consider trade for Bears LB Roquan Smith?

The Chargers could benefit from this type of talent in the linebacker room.

The Chargers could once again turn to the Windy City for defensive reinforcements.

On Tuesday, Bears linebacker Roquan Smith formally requested a trade, saying in a statement released on social media that the new front office has “refused to negotiate in good faith” on a potential contract extension.

After trading for edge rusher Khalil Mack earlier this offseason, Los Angeles has established a rapport with new Bears general manager Ryan Poles. They also could use reinforcements at linebacker, especially with Kenneth Murray, Drue Tranquill, and Kyle Van Noy all missing time at some point during training camp.

Smith is arguably a top ten linebacker in the NFL and would give the Bolts a dual threat run stopper and coverage linebacker that would open up Brandon Staley’s defense even further. But such a trade would undoubtedly come at a high cost, both in terms of capital and contract extension. The former top ten pick wants a deal that will be “fair” for both him and the rest of the linebacker market, which suggests he likely wants a deal with upwards of $15 million a year. Chicago will also not want to take a discount to deal Smith, whose bluff they’ve been trying to call all offseason as the linebacker holds out. That means it’ll take a high draft pick and/or an ascending player to fit the Bears’ rebuilding timeline to get the deal done.

Ultimately, while it’s fun to speculate on the Chargers getting hyper-aggressive now that they’ve made one splashy offseason trade, I don’t think they will likely pursue a trade for Smith. They already have two franchise cornerstones due for big-money extensions – Derwin James has sat out all of training camp waiting for his extension, and Justin Herbert is eligible for his extension next offseason. In addition, starters like Drue Tranquill and Nasir Adderley are scheduled to hit free agency following the season. LA is currently $13.7 million over the cap for 2023, according to OverTheCap, so there’s not much room to fit another considerable contract.

That’s especially true at linebacker, a position Staley has historically deemphasized. The Rams didn’t have a star name at inside linebacker when Staley was their defensive coordinator. Besides Murray, drafted before Staley’s arrival, the earliest draft pick on the roster is Tranquill, a fourth-rounder. Van Noy was a second-rounder back in 2014 but was also signed as a post-draft free agent after being cut in March. 2021 standout Kyzir White was allowed to walk in free agency despite a 100 tackle season. It’s simply a position the Chargers don’t place a premium on.

So yes, it would be exciting if Tom Telesco brokered a deal for Roquan Smith. He’d add a well-rounded game well beyond the capabilities of anyone on the roster and elevate an already good defense on paper to an elite one. But I doubt the Chargers will be willing to pay the price, both capital, and cash, to acquire such a player. But if I’m wrong, Smith could be the final piece for an elite Chargers defense.

Chargers’ Kenneth Murray runs into opportunity vs. Texans

Kenneth Murray will start opposite Uchenna Nwosu against the Texans.

The Chargers edge defender group will be short-handed against the Texans this weekend, as Joey Bosa and Chris Rumph II will be out with COVID-19.

Therefore, Kenneth Murray was deemed the starter opposite Uchenna Nwosu this Sunday. With extended playing time in sight, Murray will have the opportunity to show his worth.

Up to this point, the position change from linebacker to pass rusher has not been all sunshine and rainbows for Murray.

Since Week 10, he has accrued just two quarterback pressures and hurries, with the most recent production coming against the Giants when he played a season-high amount of snaps (25).

Murray’s struggles have been a combination of limitations in his counters and strength, lacking a plan of attack when rushing and simply running too wide of the arc.

However, there have been some glimpses of someone who can make an impact in the backfield, as seen in this play below.

The bottom line is that while being down Bosa and Rumph is not ideal, the extended playing time for Murray, who is still new at the position, should be beneficial.

Plus, it helps to have a favorable matchup, facing a Texans offensive line that has allowed the seventh-most sacks this season (37).

Chargers’ Kenneth Murray embracing expanded role

Kenneth Murray will have more responsibilities of getting after the quarterback.

Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray is honing in on a new position.

Last week, head coach Brandon Staley said that Murray’s role was evolving, and at Wednesday’s practice, he was with the edge defenders during the open portion to the media.

Following the session, Staley elaborated the plan for Murray when he returns to live-game action.

“He’s definitely going to be playing inside linebacker for us, but I think we can get him on the edge at times and then get him in some hybrid roles in pass-rush situations.”

Despite the expansion of his role, Murray will resume his duties as an inside linebacker, with Staley reiterating that he is still a starter there.

But giving him reps as a pass rusher may mask some of the issues he was dealing with before injuring his ankle.

Given that he possesses the explosiveness, play speed, and timing, Murray may be better suited to strictly get after the quarterback instead of having to read and react, something he struggled with.

The change might be sudden, but it could pay dividends for a group that has not been the most productive as of late.

Furthermore, broadening his tasks would mean that Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill’s snaps would not be cut into, either.

Staley said that he is hopeful Murray will be activated off the injured reserve this week ahead of the matchup against the Vikings.

Chargers HC Brandon Staley comfortable with calling on LB Nick Niemann

Nick Niemann could fill in if Kenneth Murray can’t play against the Raiders.

On Saturday, the primary storyline was the ankle injury to linebacker Kenneth Murray, which forced him to be carted off the practice field.

According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Murray re-injured the same ankle that knocked him out of the Cowboys game briefly in Week 2.

Even though he is questionable for Monday night’s game against the Raiders, the severity of the injury is still up in the air, and there’s a chance that he could be sidelined for it.

If so, Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill will likely receive the bulk of the workload. However, rookie Nick Niemann could find his way into the linebacker rotation this week.

Following practice, head coach Brandon Staley was asked how Niemann has been coming along with his development, and if he felt the former Iowa product could be counted on with some defensive snaps.

“What he’s done a nice job of doing is carving out a four-core role on special teams,” Staley said. “I just feel that he’s been an impactful player in that way, and on defense, you’re able to see him go against a premium offense every day and see that type of athleticism.

This guy just sees the game. He is a gym rat. He is long and he’s there’s still so much development in his body. I think one year from now his body is going to look a lot different. But he’s working hard at his game and we really like coaching him. I would have no problem putting him in a game.”

While Murray, White, and Tranquill spent nearly all of the three-game preseason slate out of the action, it was Niemann who took advantage of his extended playing time.

Niemann showed the tackling ability and instincts to impact the run game and the athleticism to show up in coverage. As a result, he finished with the most tackles (28) in the NFL in preseason play.

We should know more about Murray’s status in the coming day. But if he’s unable to go, the coaches are confident that Niemann could play a role in his absence.

Chargers LB Kenneth Murray has third-best odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year

High expectations are already being set for Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray.

Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray is pegged as having the third-best odds to win the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year award at +1000, per BetMGM.

Redskins defensive end Chase Young has the highest odds at +250, followed by Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons at +600. Behind Murray is Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen at 1100 and Lions cornerback Jeffrey Okudah at +1400.

Los Angeles had their eyes on Murray and they didn’t want to take the chance of seeing if they would be there in the second-round when they were on the clock again, so they traded up 14 spots with the Patriots to draft him with the No. 23 overall selection.

Not only was Murray’s tape impressive at Oklahoma. He aced the pre-draft process, exemplifying his high character, which is why L.A. traded up for him. His outstanding play speed, competitive energy and tackling prowess is exactly what the positional group needs.

Murray joins Drue Tranquill, the former fourth-round selection from last year, who had an phenomenal rookie season. With Murray and Tranquill on the field at the same time, it’ll be difficult for running backs to have any kind of success.

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Chargers trade up, select LB Kenneth Murray with No. 23 overall

The Los Angeles Chargers are upgrading their linebacker room.

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The Chargers traded back up into the first-round to pick former Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray with the No. 23 overall selection.

As part of the deal, the Chargers are sending their original second-round (No. 37) and third-round pick (No. 71) to the Patriots.

Murray is a quick-twitch athlete who possesses the speed against the run and pass, physicality and blitz ability, projecting as three-down starting Mike linebacker who offers the ability to play edge to rush the passer at times.

Murray had 102 tackles, four sacks and five quarterback hurries in his junior season. In 42 college games — all of which he started — he totaled 335 tackles and 9.5 sacks.