Kenneth Murray

Murray failed to make the impact expected of him by the Chargers after the team selected him 23rd overall in 2020 NFL Draft. That didn't stop the Titans from investing in him this offseason with a two-year, $18 million deal, and Murray should be set up to start at inside linebacker opposite Jack Gibbens. When healthy, Murray was a near every-down player in Los Angeles, though his deficiencies in coverage could limit him primarily to early-down work. That could actually benefit him, as it would allow him to focus on his strengths as a run defender.

Given that Chargers opted not to pick up Murray's fifth-year option, this is a pivotal campaign for the 2020 first-rounder. This past season, Murray registered just 76 tackles despite playing 690 snaps. With longtime Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks joining the team in place of inside linebacker Drue Tranquill, who signed with the Chiefs this offseason, Murray will likely be relegated to working as the Chargers' off-ball linebacker once more.

It was a disappointing second season for the 2020 first-round pick as injury issues, namely a problematic ankle which eventually warranted offseason surgery, ultimately saw Murray lose playing time to both Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill through the 2021 season. The Chargers opted not to re-sign White, who landed in Philadelphia earlier this spring, which means Murray is once again expected to start at inside linebacker for a defense that saw dramatic improvements in just about every other level this offseason. The 23-year-old isn't guaranteed to be healthy at the start of training camp, but if he proves to be healthy, he could be a significant source of tackles for an emerging defense.

While Murray did post 100-plus tackles in his rookie debut, the Oklahoma product struggled in pass coverage at times and didn't make nearly the type of game-changing plays that the Chargers may have hoped for after trading up to draft the 22-year-old in the first round. Another year of development should only help Murray and it's entirely possible this time next year, the middle linebacker could be one of the top IDP options at his position.

The Chargers gave up a hefty haul in order to trade up in the 2020 Draft, ultimately selecting the Oklahoma product to be their starting middle linebacker. Murray has all tools to be a tremendous three-down linebacker, and has the necessary speed (4.52 40-yard dash) to cover sideline to sideline. It's possible the 21-year-old could be subbed out in obvious passing situations given the Chargers' depth, particularly with coverage linebackers, but expect Murray to be a staple in the team's front seven for years to come.