Top 5 Cleveland Browns playing their way into a new contract
By Cory Kinnan
3. CB/S Eric Murray
Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah was not cutting it for the Browns, and that is why he was shipped off to Kansas City in exchange for Eric Murray this summer. Murray has come into Cleveland and filled in for the role that Briean Boddy-Calhoun played for the Browns a year ago, and has been doing it to the tune of a 73 overall grade according to PFF.
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Murray gives Wilks a great deal of flexibility with how to use him on the defensive side of the ball, and that versatility deserves to be compensated when it is done well. Having a player who can play safety and nickel corner is a huge asset to the Browns, especially when they have been hit with a slew of injuries in their secondary early in the year.
Thus far through a quarter of the season, Murray has totaled three starts in the secondary, recording seven solo tackles and one pass defended. Once Randall, Denzel Ward, and Greedy Williams all return, Murray will be able to return to his primary role as the nickel safety in big nickel formations, and allow Wilks the freedom to use him all over the field again.
At just 25 years old, Murray has plenty of playing time left in him, and after being drafted by Dorsey himself, you have to wonder if the general manager wants to keep his guys around. Murray’s flexibility has, and will continue to pay dividends for the Browns, so hopefully, they compensate him for his ability to wear multiple hats for their defense.