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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

hagan714

talk about a bit of a shocker

CheramieIII

Wow we got another Cooks

Beastmode

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.

foreverfan

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

lee909

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

"Two receivers to the left, Garcon to the right. Manning in the shotgun, puts Collie in motion. Looks in his direction...it's picked off! It's picked off! It's Tracy Porter again! He's runnin' free! He's gonna go all the way!

Danno

Ingram
Spiller
Robinson
Hightower
Baker (edited)
Murphy

jeanpierre

Patriots sign former Saints running back Travaris Cadet | ProFootballTalk

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

voodooido

Cadet is with N.E.

burningmetal

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.