Larrell Murchison – DT (North Carolina State)
Linval Joseph’s contract does not reflect the overall standard of his play anymore and the Vikings will need to look for a younger defensive tackle at some stage of this year’s NFL Draft.
Larrell Murchison is a superb prospect who can either become a regular starter at defensive tackle or a situational pass rusher, such is his ability to get after the quarterback on a consistent basis.
During the 2019 season, he finished with 48 tackles, seven sacks, and two pass deflections. Murchison seems like a perfect fit for Mike Zimmer’s defense, especially if he continues to deploy Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen inside as he did so successfully during their sensational playoff win over the New Orleans Saints, providing the latter is brought back.
One cause for concern when watching Murchison is his size that could affect his ability to be an every-down defensive player at the next level.
He may be a real disruptor on passing downs. But against NFL lineman, Murchison may struggle in run situations that may see him fall down the pecking order when it comes to the draft.
His stock might improve if he tests well at this year’s Combine and his subsequent Pro Day. The NC State coaching staff also rave about his high character and esteem to which Murchison is held within the locker room, which is another massive plus for anybody’s draft stock.
Even if Joseph and Griffen are brought back for another season, Murchison might still be worth a flyer in the mid-rounds if he falls that far and then he can learn the tricks of the trade from some of the most experienced defensive linemen in the business.