2020 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine mock with Redskins trading down

The Redskins have a couple of nice options here with the pick they acquired in the trade from the Miami Dolphins. They could target a safety like Xavier McKinney or Grant Delpit to pair with Landon Collins, and McKinney did get a lot of consideration given that he’s an Alabama product. But ultimately, it was too hard to pass on Kenneth Murray.

The ‘Skins do need help at linebacker, and that’s one of the reasons that Isaiah Simmons was so heavily considered for the No. 5 overall pick in this draft. But one of the reasons I had the Redskins passing on him at that juncture was because Murray figured to be available with this selection. And, lo and behold, he was.

Murray is a well-built linebacker with a 6-foot-2, 238-pound frame. He’s thick and physical and will be a great tackler at the NFL level. In his final two seasons at Oklahoma, he logged 257 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks as a do-it-all player. He’s aggressive — which can sometimes be a disadvantage for him, but mostly works as an advantage against the run — and has the makings of a strong all-around linebacker.

Murray isn’t as athletic as Simmons. Nor is he as good in coverage. But Simmons is a hybrid safety/linebacker whereas Murray is a true linebacker. So, it’s to be expected that Murray wouldn’t be quite as good in coverage. He can still hold his own and if he shows fluidity at the combine, that should help his stock to improve.

For the Redskins, Murray could be a starter at middle linebacker given the uncertain status of Reuben Foster. And if Foster returns, the two can play alongside Cole Holcomb and the team can mix up their looks with the three of them.

Other options with this pick include the two aforementioned safeties, a speed threat receiver like Jalen Reagor, or an offensive tackle like Austin Jackson, pending the Trent Williams situation.