Vikings sign UCLA EDGE Gabriel Murphy.
As a former three star recruit, Murphy (6’2/247) originally committed to play for North Texas alongside his brother, Grayson. In three years with the Mean Green he started 15 games, 13 of them coming in 2021 when he generated 48 pressures, 29 stops and 7.0 sacks. After transferring to UCLA the Dallas native posted two consecutive seasons with an 87th% pass rush grade, while finishing with 8 sacks and 16 TFL’s in 2023. When rushing the passer, he plays low and looks to drive up into his opponents. He churns his feet through the bull rush and is capable of generating disproportionate power for someone weighing in at under 250 pounds. In addition to his notable strength and advanced athleticism (9.28 RAS), he wins by using savvy and elusiveness to set up blockers for a polished cross-chop and rip move. As a run defender, Murphy’s 30 ½” arms will likely limit him from ever being an above average stack and shed player, but he is talented at using his hands to work between blockers and end up in the backfield. His 24 defensive stops and encouraging 77.1 PFF grade against the run show that he has the ability to be productive despite his shortcomings. Murphy will be best suited playing wide in an odd front at the next level as an athletic pass rusher.
