Eric Murray: What the Browns are getting in their new defensive back

The Cleveland Browns have finally moved defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, trading him to the Chiefs on Monday. Despite Ogbah starting all 40 games he has appeared in during his career and having flashes of pure dominance, Cleveland only received a reserve defensive back by the name of Eric Murray from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Based on pure impact, it appears the Browns have lost this trade, but with Ogbah heading into a contract year and the addition of Olivier Vernon eating into his snaps, the franchise obviously felt it was time to move on.

Eric Murray, Defensive Back

Height: 5-11

Weight: 199 pounds

2018 Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Murray started at cornerback for Minnesota during his collegiate career and was drafted by Kansas City in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. His rookie season is when he made the transition to the reserve safety role and he saw action in all 16 games that season.

The 2017 season saw Murray take a more expanded role as he again played in every game he was active (14) and he also started two games, but his primary role was in dime and nickel packages. Murray was a major contributor last season seeing action in 15 games and starting nine.

When the Chiefs released Ron Parker, Kansas City was trying desperately to fill the void. In addition to giving Murray more reps, the Chiefs acquired Jordan Lucas via trade with the Miami Dolphins. Murray was sharing the safety duties with Lucas, but Murray played much better and more consistently proving that although he lacks the ability to be a star in the defensive backfield he can be a reliable starter with excellent versatility. The Browns may look to upgrade from him, but they can remain comfortable with him in the lineup.

Murray is not an All-Pro-caliber player, but he does have a tad bit of a playmaker spark to his game as evidenced by him continuously being in the right spot. He also has a reputation of being one of the hardest workers both on and off the field. Consistent and steady play is never a bad thing —especially in regard to a defensive back. He has also been a really good special teams contributor.

The biggest knock on Murray is his lack of speed. Although he is a physical player, he is not the most technical press man. Murray also has a propensity to hold the receiver once he is beat, as evidenced by his five defensive holding penalties called the past two seasons. But Browns fans should be used to this as we are already accustomed to Terrance Mitchell.

Murray was drafted by John Dorsey in Kansas City, so the Browns have a good idea of what they’re getting in the safety.

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