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NFL Draft 2015: Saints select RB Marcus Murphy with 230th pick

By Andrew Schuster

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Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Marcus Murphy (6) runs the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Missouri won 29 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints closed out their 2015 NFL Draft after selecting Missouri running back Marcus Murphy with the 230th overall pick in the seventh round.

It’s an interesting call with wide receiver, tight end and guard still big needs, but it’s Coach Sean Payton and GM Mickey Loomis making the calls, not me.  They obviously have different plans that I’m not going to argue with.

So what does Marcus Murphy bring to the table for the New Orleans Saints?

Well, he’s undersized at 5-foot-8, but his performance usually overshadowed his stature.  He was an all-purpose back at Missouri, displaying his talents in the run, pass and return game, and honored as a first-team All-SEC selection (all-purpose).

Murphy has great footwork, according to NFL.com, and “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.”

ESPN compared Marcus Murphy to Darren Sproles after New Orleans made the pick.  However, with a 4.61 40-yard dash, he’s not as fast the former Saint.  NFL.com compares him to Dexter McCluster.

Murphy has been described as one of college football’s most dynamic all-purpose backs, so it seems like the New Orleans Saints could certainly make use of the former Missouri Tiger.

That’s a wrap for the Black and Gold.  It wasn’t a bad draft at all.  I see some long-term talent that could settle in nicely down on the bayou.  Next up, rookie minicamp, organized team activities, and then it’s on to training camp.

New Orleans Saints 2015 NFL Draft picks:

1 (13): Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
1 (31): Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
2 (44): Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington
3 (75): Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State
3 (78): P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
5 (148): Davis Tull, OLB, Tennessee-Chattanooga
5 (154): Tyeler Davison, DT, Fresno State
5 (167): Damian Swann, CB, Georgia
7 (230): Marcus Murpy, RB, Missouri

Next: Saints 2015 NFL Schedule

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