Kyle Murphy May Be In Right Guard Mix
Here’s a name we hadn’t considered as a potential replacement for departed right guard T.J. Lang — Kyle Murphy.
Murphy was drafted as a right tackle, but he’s lighter than both Bryan Bulaga and Lang. Murphy is listed at 304 pounds, while Lang is listed at 318. He also has a little experience at right guard.
Although he barely played in 2016, the Packers moved Murphy inside during the latter part of the season after Lang injured his foot.
If the Packers don’t draft Lang’s replacement, we’ll likely be treated to a competition between Murphy, Don Barclay and perhaps Lucas Patrick.
We would still give the edge to Barclay in that competition. He has starting experience and has shown he’s much better at guard than he was at tackle.
The Packers re-signed him on the first day of free agency for this very reason — they thought they might lose Lang.
Still, Murphy has a shot. He has a stronger pedigree than Barclay, coming from Stanford, he says he’s bulking up to 315 and he’s motivated to earn playing time.
Just as important here is the fact that if the Packers think they have their guy in Barclay or Murphy, they can focus on other positions of need in the draft.
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Again does anybody remember Barclay at guard in the first half of the Redskins game? Barclay was beaten like a rented mule. Barclay fans will say he was injured. I say it was an excuse. Spriggs played better at guard than Barclay, and Spriggs is no guard. Let us all not forget how bad Barclay was beat on pass downs in the 2015 season at tackle. Rodgers was almost killed. So what makes anyone think Barclay should be a guard in a passing offense? Once teams see Barclay needs help from the center or tackle in pass protection sets get ready for delayed blitzes through those gaps.
The center can’t help Barclay, he’s busy helping Lane Taylor. Yes, that Lane Taylor. The same Lane Taylor everyone seems to think is doing such a great job replacing Sitton. But in reality needs the crutch of training wheels(help).
Should be a fun season folks. When the 0 line collapses in the middle before your very eyes. Don’t forget to come in here blaming Rodgers for holding onto the ball too long. I always enjoy a good laugh.
You’ll see Bennett blocking up at the line quite often this season. And the rb’s best learn how to block, real soon like.
You know how i know we’re NOT going to draft Kyle Murphy? Because TT is smarter than everyone and picks people no one thought he’d pick. Furthermore, with all the needs on this team no way does he draft a guard in the first round.
They don’t need to draft him, he is on the team
I think Abe meant Forrest Lamp, not Murphy. I personally am more concerned about center than I am about filling Lang’s spot at OG. I believe that Lucas Patrick, or Murphy for that matter, will be adequate replacements for Lang. With the loss of Tretter, Don Barclay is the back-up center. Not good. And, Corey Linsley, who was injured and missed some games last season, becomes a FA after this one. Given TT’s history, I can see Linsley leaving after this year. So, I envision TT drafting Kentucky’s Jon Toth in the 4th round of this year’s draft. Toth, who has great technique as a center, is versatile and could also back-up at OG.
If Barclay is the answer it will be a long season watching him get beat every snap.