The Minnesota Vikings are firmly entrenched in OTAs and are progressing toward training camp at TCO Performance Center. This will be the third season under head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and it's also a turning point in the future of the organization.
To prepare for the pivotal 2024 season, we will break down each player on the 90-man roster leading up to training camp. In this series, we will look into their background, scheme fit, best and worst case scenario along with what to expect from each player. It will also help gain more insight on each player going into the year, especially with players who haven't gotten much fanfare.
Is Gabriel Murphy a lock for the Vikings 53-man roster?
Background
After spending three seasons at North Texas, Murphy transferred to UCLA with his twin brother Grayson and he immediately thrived opposite of first-round pick Laiatu Latu. During his two seasons at UCLA, Murphy grew significantly from 2022 to 2023 at the power five level, with 16.0 tackles for loss, 61 pressures and 8.0 sacks on 575 snaps. The Bruins used him all over with 85 snaps on the interior as a defensive tackle and the majority of his snaps at outside linebacker with 267 snaps.
Scheme fit
Murphy ended up in the perfect place for him. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores understands how to use a player who has a narrow skill set or with a physical limitation. In a similar way to how he used linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., Flores will find a way to maximize Murphy's ability as a pass rusher despite only having 30.5" arms.
Best case scenario
Murphy's explosiveness and good first step off the ball pop right away and shoot him up the depth chart. With 92nd-percentile athleticism, Murphy has the explosiveness and strength to make an impact on the quarterback quickly, including when they slide him inside. Flores loves to use three edge rusher looks and Murphy can be an asset in those.
Worst case scenario
The measurables end up being a major hindrance to his game. 30.5" arms is in the sixth percentile and it allows offensive linemen, especially tackles, to get into his frame and stop him in his tracks. Arm length is only a big deal if you are an outlier and that is what Murphy is.
What to expect in 2024
Murphy wasn't guaranteed $225k for no reason. The Vikings believe in him and have shown in the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era to spend on players that they expect to make the roster. Pace ($216k) and Andre Carter II ($340k) both made the roster in 2023 and Murphy looks to do the same.
It's far from a guarantee though. Murphy will still need to do enough on the field to pass the likes of Carter and Pat Jones II to earn a roster spot. However, his skillset paired with the creativity of Flores is paired perfectly together. It would be a surprise if Murphy didn't make the roster.
Previous player profiles
Devron Harper | Ty James | Trey Knox
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