UCLA Football: Star Bruins Defender Stays Out West in Fresh CBS Mock
While all eyes are on UCLA star edge rusher Laiatu Latu, the Bruins have plenty of NFL players ready to be selected in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.
Latu is a star in his own right; however, there are other Bruins ready to make a name for themselves at the pro level. One player who could do just that is defensive lineman Gabriel Murphy.
Although Murphy isn't a highly touted prospect compared to Latu, he is no pushover.
In the latest CBS sports mock draft, Chris Trapasso has the Arizona Cardinals selecting Murphy in the third round with the 76th overall pick.
In this mock draft, Trapasso has the Broncos trading away their 76th pick with the Cardinals.
The redshirt junior stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 247 pounds. Overall, Murphy is an impressive athlete who is quick, agile and has a good change of direction. He can use his quickness and athleticism to make offensive linemen miss him against the run.
According to 247Sports, Murphy was a three-star recruit in the 2019 class. He transferred to UCLA from North Texas after the 2022 season. Bleacher Report grades Murphy 6.4, and he is projected to be a fifth-round selection. Bleacher Report also ranks the defensive lineman 130th overall and the 14th-best edge rusher in this class.
The Cardinals desperately need a pass rusher. Although it may not happen right away, Murphy will eventually provide that. In his last season at UCLA, he recorded 38 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and two passes defended.
