The Minnesota Vikings are intensifying their pursuit of a formidable pass-rusher, eyeing UCLA’s Gabriel Murphy, who boasts an impressive tally of 21.5 sacks. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reports that Murphy is set to visit the Vikings ahead of the NFL Draft.
Fresh off a stellar collegiate season, Murphy showcased his prowess with eight sacks, 38 total tackles, and two pass breakups. While projected as a potential day-three prospect, Murphy’s potential impact on Minnesota’s defensive front is significant, particularly following the departure of Danielle Hunter in free agency.
In the previous season, the Vikings ranked 18th in the NFL for pass-rush win rate, managing just 43 sacks, placing 19th league-wide. Consequently, the team is eager to fortify its pass rush during the upcoming draft.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 260 pounds, Murphy is renowned for his relentless energy on the field. Over his tenure at UCLA, he amassed an impressive record of 21.5 sacks, 149 total tackles, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and six pass breakups.
Despite concerns about his arm length, Murphy’s agility and adept handwork mitigate doubts about his effectiveness at the professional level. While he may encounter challenges against robust run blockers, his agility often allows him to evade such encounters.
The Vikings’ interest in Murphy stems from their recent acquisitions in the offseason, namely Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman. While these additions aim to offset the loss of Hunter, Murphy presents an enticing option as a rotational pass-rusher capable of delivering impactful plays from the outset.
Pro Football Focus highlights Murphy’s impressive performance in 2023, where he accumulated 40 quarterback pressures, earning him an elite pass-rush grade of 87.6 and a commendable pass-rush win rate of 18.4%, placing him among the top-tier edge rushers in this year’s draft class.
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