New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

The New Orleans Saints took running back Marcus Murphy out of Missouri with the last of their nine selections in the 2015 NFL Draft. The 5-foot-8, 193-pound speedster could fit as a return specialist after he posted seven returns for touchdowns while in college.

Murphy as a senior in 2014 ran for 924 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry. He also caught 28 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown. Murphy missed the 2011 season with a shoulder injury.

New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft | NOLA.com


ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Has the foot quickness and acceleration to make something out of nothing when called upon as a runner. Needs to play in space, but has quality traits for a runner, despite size. Has enough speed to turn the corner and hit a big run down the sideline. In passing game, mismatches inside 'backers with razor-sharp cuts to the sideline, creating easy throws for the quarterback. Looks to adjust his routes over the top of coverage if quarterback scrambles. Has excellent hands and concentration to finish a catch despite impending contact. Celebrated kick- and punt-return specialist with seven career return touchdowns at Missouri.

WEAKNESSES Needs to improve his reads and feel on stretch plays flowing outside. Small running back with limited amount of carries he can offer in a given game. Tends to float in space as a receiver rather than working back to the ball. Doesn't make the sharp, downhill cuts expected from him as a running back. Missed 2011 with a shoulder injury. He tries to get in the way as a pass blocker, but lacks bulk and strength to be trusted with blitz pickup on next level.

NFL COMPARISON Dexter McCluster

BOTTOM LINE All-purpose running back with a lean frame and a big heart. Showed consistency of effort and production during his time at Missouri. His value as a runner is limited due to his size, but he has the potential to become a legitimate target out of the backfield and might warrant some reps in camp as a slot receiver. Murphy can step in and immediately challenge for the top spot as a kickoff and/or punt returner.

NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - Marcus Murphy

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

talk about a bit of a shocker

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Wow we got another Cooks

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

No, we got another Spiller. Good pick up. He is also a good returner which Cooks is not. We could have a real return game this year.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Looks like the kind of RB Sean Payton knows how to use.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Love this pick

Gives insurance on a Spiller injury

Let the kick return battle begin.

Just some things from the tape

Love his patience when returning,doesn't dance around on the spot,always in motion but has his eyes looking for a block or open lane.

Great balance,see him take a few hits,regain his balance and break off a long run after contact.

Doesn't take too many full on clean hits but when he does always looking to churn out the extra yard or two and keeps legs moving.

Obviously far too early to tell but look like he could take that Pierre Thomas allround back spot. Be the ST/KR and allround back. Good looking role player

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Ingram
Spiller
Robinson
Hightower
Baker (edited)
Murphy

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Patriots sign former Saints running back Travaris Cadet | ProFootballTalk

But it's still a damn fine stable of running backs...

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Cadet is with N.E.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Not sure why anyone is trying analyze him as a running back. He might get some touches if an injury happens or get mop up duty, and even that would be limited. He's a returner, period. At this point in the draft why not? Our return game sucks, and this guy could help a lot.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Saunders turned into a really good returner late in the year. Really really shocked at this pick. Could he not of been had as a UDFA? They always say UDFA so why not snag a 7th rd o-line?

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Because he was probably the best player available on their board... And they got a pretty promising guard undrafted from Notre Dame, so why not?

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Well, let the competition for returner begin...........now! :smile:

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Sold!!!

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

A little surprised in this but they see something in him. Im ready for the season to begin so I can feel like a fool when half the picks that I didn't like can remind me why Payton is my favorite coach in the N.F.L.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

I'm surprised this guy lasted that long. He was a stud returner.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

I was totally thrilled with Jalen Saunders as our return man... But he offers very little in the passing game. I guess with Murphy we'll have a return man who can also contribute at his position as a 3rd down back should Spiller get injured.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Or get Murphy/Spiller screening to opposite sides simultaneously... :bng:

Defense better have two very fast linebackers to match up

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

I heard somewhere he also can be a slot receiver

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Have ya'll watched his combine, pretty decent

2015 Combine workout: Marcus Murphy

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Knowing Payton's tendencies he will probably split him out at WR whilst having CJ spiller and Brandin Cooks in the game

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

See something in him? Can't imagine what that might be.

I thought he looked electric.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

Quick feet, short strider with great balance like PT and Sproles. Lacks elite speed or power but could be a great change of pace back and returner. I like this pick, When a dude's highlights are against SEC defenses, they are legit,

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

my issue with our RBs.

Ingram
Spiller
Robinson
Hightower
Baker
Murphy

not one back on the list is a proven blocker. blitz pick up looks to be a weak link in our passing game. depth at WR scares me also. so all i can say is

RUN FOREST RUN

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

This little fellah ought to flourish in the screen game too.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Missouri returner Marcus Murphy with their final pick in 2015 NFL Draft
 

No one picked up the blitz like PT 23.:lightsabre:
God, I miss him and with out his stellar blocking in the back field I might miss him even more.