NFL Draft 2020: Chargers win trade with Patriots by picking Kenneth Murray

The 2020 NFL Draft has three great linebackers, and the Los Angeles Chargers trade up to take one of them in Kenneth Murray.

The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Justin Herbert with their first pick, but they still have holes to fill. In a bit of a surprising move, they then traded up to take Kenneth Murray at No. 23 with the New England Patriots.

They gave up a second and third-rounder for the linebacker out of Oklahoma, and he will certainly have an instant impact in the defense. That is a hefty price for a team who needs help on the offensive line, but Murray is likely going to be worth it. Chargers fans should be ecstatic at the thought of having both Murray and Derwin James on the field next season.

In the AFC West, the Chargers are going to have to stop quality offenses. Denver upgraded with Jeudy, the Raiders got Ruggs, and the Chiefs are as good as always. With those weapons, any type of speed will be valued, and Murray certainly fits that bill.

Murray is simply a tackling machine out of the Big 12. He can pursue receivers, get into the backfield, and travel from sideline to sideline.

This trade is a bit of a surprise, but the Chargers must have highly valued Murray. This will hurt LA’s chances of taking a quality offensive lineman on Day 2, so they must feel confident with where they currently are.

Grade: B

At the end of the day, this is a pick that will look good on the field. Murray will play well, and Chargers fans should be happy when they watch him. However, the value is just a little hard to justify. I love the player and the fit, but LA better have a plan on how to fix their offensive line.