The Tennessee Titans selected Larrell Murchison in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft in order to add some depth to their defensive line for the upcoming season.
Murchison was also the first Titans rookie to agree to terms, according to his agency, EnterSports Management, on Wednesday.
Murchison showed he was a solid pass-rusher in college, notching 11 sacks in his two seasons at NC State, and puts out maximum effort on every play. Over time, he could develop into a starter in Tennessee.
Here’s what analysts had to say about him prior to the draft.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic (Brugler gave Murchison a fourth-round grade):
A two-year starter at NC State, Murchison played the nose and end spots in defensive coordinator Tony Gibson’s 3-3-5 stack formation. He was more focused on playing offense in high school and his defensive skills were untapped at the juco level and that continued after transferring to Raleigh. Murchison is quick to shoot gaps with his attacking play style, setting up his pass rush and chasing the action. His motor will translate well to the NFL level, but there will be a learning curve against the size and power of NFL-level blockers. Overall, Murchison doesn’t have the length or explosive traits that evaluators usually bet on, but he has obvious pass rush potential due to his quickness, timing and relentless hustle, projecting as a rotational three-technique tackle.
Early into his evaluation, it’s hard to get past the tight lower body that restricts his upfield and lateral strides with his feet barely leaving the ground. As the tape rolls on, it’s impossible not to notice his motor and that he’s always around the ball and rarely on the ground. Murchison has the ability to battle through blocks and come out well-oriented and ready to make plays. He’s quick to process and respond, but doesn’t have great closing burst and lateral agility. He thrives in smaller spaces with less ground to cover and should become a good rotational three-technique for a 4-3 defense.
Benjamin Solak, The Draft Network:
Larrell Murchison is a Day 3 candidate for teams looking to investigate his potential as a gap-shooter after playing in a two-gapping role for much of his senior season with the Wolfpack. Murchison was a productive player in the ACC, grabbing seven sacks across the first six weeks of the 2019 season before falling dorminant as the NC State defense succumbed to a ton of injuries. A quick player with swift hands, Murchison does nicely to get his body into gaps as a run defender and pass rusher alike, but concerns with his anchor, mental processing, and leverage put his future as a permanent DT in doubt. Murchison could develop into a nice tweener on a depth chart in the NFL, but inconsistencies make him a low-ceiling player at this juncture.
Murchison has a high ceiling that will be intriguing to develop over his rookie contract. But as far as getting on the field right away, he projects best as a rotational lineman who will likely see the field only as a sub-package pass-rusher until he can develop more power.
Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network:
Positives: One-time highly rated defensive tackle prospect who plays with proper pad level, fires off the snap, and flashes athleticism. Keeps his feet moving, works his hands and nicely adjusts and redirects to the action. Attracts a lot of attention in the middle of the line and holds his ground.
Negatives: Often lackadaisical when he tries to get off blocks. Consistently controlled by lesser opponents. Very streaky. Disappointing 2019 campaign.
Analysis: Murchison possesses next-level size, speed, and athleticism and flashes big-play ability. He must consistently play to his potential to have a career in the NFL, but he comes with upside.
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