As a coach, there's nothing more exciting than seeing a young player rise through the ranks and start to show signs of greatness. That’s exactly what I’ve been witnessing with second-year pass rusher Gabriel Murphy for the Minnesota Vikings. The physical transformation this guy has undergone is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s starting to remind me of another elite pass rusher we all know—Danielle Hunter.
Murphy has been putting in the work off the field, and it’s showing up in a big way on the field. His build, strength, and athleticism are quickly catching up to Hunter’s, who’s already an established All-Pro. Watching Murphy move in drills, you can see the resemblance: the power off the line, the explosiveness around the edge, and the relentless pursuit of the quarterback. This kid has the tools to not only be an elite pass rusher but also one who can disrupt an entire offense.
As a coach, you can’t help but get excited. The potential here is huge. If Murphy continues to develop his technique, he could very well become another cornerstone for this defense, pairing with Hunter to create a devastating one-two punch on the pass rush. The combination of their size, speed, and power could be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
From a coaching standpoint, this is the kind of player you want to nurture. Murphy has all the physical traits, and now it’s about refining his skills, his awareness on the field, and his ability to read the game. If he can keep up this pace and stay disciplined, there’s no telling how high his ceiling is. The Vikings may just have another elite pass rusher on their hands.