Oklahoma Star Kenneth Murray Will Be a Perfect Prize for Chargers' Defensive Identity

The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the most hard-nosed defenses in the National Football League. On Thursday night, they added to an already-impressive roster by drafting Oklahoma stud Kenneth Murray late in the first round.

The selection was a steal at pick No. 23, and he's a physical 'backer who will fit right in with his new teammates.

Murray was a finalist for both the Butkus and Bednarik Awards, and with 325 career tackles and 9.5 career sacks, he's possibly the most explosive run stopper in the draft. He's a strong tackler who crashes down on gaps in the line hard. His instincts allow him to quickly stuff anything that comes at him. He does it all while being a stand-up guy on and off the field.

By any metric, Murray is one of the toughest defenders in the rising class, and the Chargers' pick shows they're committed to being a defense-forward team. Murray is joining Joey Bosa, Thomas Davis, Melvin Ingram, Derwin James, and a slew of other blue chip players that are the epitome of productivity. The Chargers are out to hit someone on defense, and Murray is going to help them do it right in the middle of the field.

Murray is widely regarded as one of the best leaders in the draft, and his high character could make him a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. If you want to establish an identity, you get a steady guy who fits the scheme you're running, and Murray is perfect for the Bolts.