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Oklahoma football: Top 5 Sooners in the NFL in 2020

By John Makuch

Apr 26, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; NFL commissioner commissioner Roger Goodell walks off stage as Baker Mayfield is selected as the number one overall pick to the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; NFL commissioner commissioner Roger Goodell walks off stage as Baker Mayfield is selected as the number one overall pick to the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Kenneth Murray, Los Angles Chargers rookie linebacker

Dec 13, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst (81) is brought down by Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Kenneth Murray (56) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst (81) is brought down by Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Kenneth Murray (56) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker Kenneth Murray was a standout defensive rookie for the Los Angeles Chargers this past season. The former Oklahoma defensive leader was the first OU rookie to finish with 100 tackles in 16 years. Teddy Lehman did it with the Detroit Lions in 2004.

Murray filled in at a linebacker spot where the Chargers really needed help at that position. The Chargers traded up for the pick to select Murray in the 2020 NFL Draft in what was a surprise move for LA fans but it has paid off so far.

Murray’s best game during his rookie season was against the New England Patriots, where he finished with 14 total tackles, 12 being solo tackles, and his first career sack. While the result of the game was a 45-0 defeat, Murray was able to show how much of an impact player he can be going forward in his career.

The former Sooner standout was nominated to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team for 2020, and OU fans hope that he adds Pro-Bowls and All-Pro nominations to his resume in the years ahead.

Being that run-stuffer every defense needs, while also being able to drop back and cover against the pass, is something he did at Oklahoma and will continue to do in the NFL.

This Chargers team, with an improved defense after drafting a young star quarterback in Justin Herbert and a new defensive stud in Murray, is going to be fun to watch for a long time if they play to their capability. If Murray continues to improve the way he played in 2020, he will become a player that Sooner fans immediately think of in terms of former Sooners in the NFL.

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