Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Targets in first round of the 2020 NFL Draft

5. Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

On paper, Kenneth Murray is a perfect fit in that he possesses the physical traits to hold down the fort at any of the three linebacking positions in the NFL for the next decade. His reads and decision making can be a bit questionable at the time, but that part of his game will improve with experience.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

Going into the offseason, the Eagles’ needs at wide receiver and defensive back were glaring, to say the least. They’ve addressed the latter, and will no doubt address the former with at least two picks in a draft that’s very deep at the wide receiver position.

After the additions of Slay and Robey-Coleman, the only position of greater need than wide receiver right now is linebacker. With Nigel Bradham testing the free-agent waters, Murray and his top-shelf range would instantly upgrade a linebacking corps that currently features a returning undrafted free agent (T.J. Edwards) at the MIKE position, along with Nate Gerry and a pair of castoffs from other NFL teams vying for two starting gigs on the outside.

While a player the Eagles should consider, Murray’s chances of being drafted by the Eagles at No. 21 overall are slim for two reasons. Most importantly, the Eagles have made it their M.O. to spend as little as possible on the linebacking position in terms of both the salary cap and draft capital.

Additionally, the team’s glaring needs at the wide receiver position supersede their linebacking inadequacies by leaps and bounds. This is precisely why the next four targets on our list are all wide receivers.