Larrell

Murchison

The rotational run-stuffer re-ups with the Rams after notching career-highs in both tackles (17) and tackles for loss or no gain (three). This was a needed move for the Rams, after losing starting DT Bobby Brown III to the Panthers this offseason.

The Rams also designated linebacker Troy Reeder after Reeder was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury back in October. Murchison made a brief return from injured reserve earlier this season only to land back on injured reserve with a foot injury he suffered in his first practice back. The Rams don’t have to activate either player this week, but if they’re good enough to play they’ll provide an added boost for the defense on Sunday against the Eagles.

Murchison began the season on injured reserve and recently had his 21-day practice window activated. He evidently broke his foot in his first practice back, though, forcing the Rams to place him on injured reserve once again. Initial reports indicated Murchison would not count against the Rams’ eight injured reserve/return tally but since he was designated for the return at the time of his initial injured reserve transaction, it is now confirmed he does count against it. It’s a brutal development for the Rams’ injury-riddled roster.

Williams was placed on injured reserve ahead of Week 1. He had been dealing with a hamstring issue since the start of camp. Defensive lineman Larrell Murchison also returned to practice. The Rams currently rank 31st in EPA per dropback allowed. Any reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball will be welcomed by Sean McVay and company.

Murchison (6’2/297) was a JUCO transfer and two-year starter at NC State. As a redshirt senior, he posted 7.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss while rotating between nose tackle and defensive end. A late-bloomer at this position since he primarily played on offense in high school, Murchison is still improving as a pass-rusher but offers the motor and college production to be considered a Day 3 project. His upside with the Titans will be limited by his 46th-percentile athleticism and 5.05 speed, but Murchison should compete for rotational three-tech reps as a 23-year-old rookie.

Murchison (6’2/297) was a junior college transfer and two-year starter at NC State. As a redshirt senior, he posted 7.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss while rotating between nose tackle and defensive end. A late-bloomer at this position since he primarily played on offense in high school, Murchison is still improving as a pass-rusher but offers the motor and college production to be considered a Day 3 project. His upside with the Titans will be limited by his 46th-percentile athleticism and 5.05 speed, but Murchison should compete for rotational three-tech reps as a 23-year-old rookie.

Murchison (6’2/297) was a junior college transfer and two-year starter at NC State. As a redshirt senior, he posted 7.0 sacks and 12.0 TFLs while rotating between nose tackle and defensive end. A late-bloomer because he focused on offense in high school, Murchison is still improving as a pass-rusher, but he at least has the motor and college production to be a late-round project. His NFL upside will be limited by his 46th percentile athleticism and 5.05 speed, but Murchison should compete for rotational three-tech reps as a 23-year-old rookie.

“Murchison has the ability to battle through blocks and come out well-oriented and ready to make plays,” Zierlein writes. The analyst is a fan of the 6-foot-2, 297-pounder’s ability to diagnose quickly, but voices concern over his actual athletic quickness, noting that Murchison “doesn’t have great closing burst and lateral agility.” Murchison posted a SPARQ athletic score in the 37th percentile of pro iDL at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this spring.

Murchison (6'2/297) has been projected by most draft analysts to be a Day 3 selection, with the perceived lack of athletic quickness being a concern. Among the teams that he’s met with New England is an interesting possibility, in that the Patriots do have a need for additional defensive line depth. It’s also worth noting that the Patriots currently hold eight Day 3 picks: one in rounds four and five, four in Round 6 and two in Round 7.

Pauline does call the 6-foot-3, 291-pound Murchison a “tough, intense” interior lineman, but he cannot get with the evaluators whom he has spoken with who have been floating Murchison as a third-round talent. The analyst more conservatively grades the redshirt senior with a fifth-round estimation. Murchison was a 13-game starter last season, recording 32 tackles (8.0 for loss), four sacks and an interception for the campaign.