RICHMOND, Va., -- The Washington Redskins had hoped to increase their depth along the defensive front -- and find more playing time for Trent Murphy. So they switched him to end this offseason.
Then Junior Galette was injured. And then the Redskins needed more depth at linebacker, which is why Murphy has returned to his old spot.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Murphy will primarily play outside linebacker. Murphy started 14 games at outside linebacker last season, recording 3.5 sacks. The Redskins had hoped he’d provide depth inside with a healthy Galette paired with Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith.
But once Galette tore his Achilles, the Redskins’ depth at linebacker was tested. However, what the Redskins learned early is that they needed Murphy back at linebacker.
The tricky part for Murphy is that he bulked up in the offseason to play end, adding approximately 25 pounds and reporting at 285. That’s heavy for an outside linebacker. By comparison, Ryan Kerrigan weighs 265 and Smith weighs 268. But Murphy dropped to 270 pounds thanks to a bout of strep throat and now weighs 275. So he’s a little heavier than a typical linebacker in a 3-4, but isn’t far from his previous weight.
“He can handle it, he looks good,” Gruden said. “He’s stronger. … He wasn’t exactly a speedster to begin with, so I think he’ll be fine. He can drop [into coverage] and do good things, but he also provides us with another rusher.”
The Redskins also have Houston Bates and Willie Jefferson, both of whom had been working with the No. 2 defense in the first week of camp. But neither has shown that they could be a third outside linebacker; Jefferson, for example, at 246 pounds would have trouble setting the edge vs. the run.
That’s one reason the Redskins needed Murphy in his old spot. They needed a stronger option for when the starters needed a break or if one got hurt. Murphy also can play along the line in certain pass-rush situations. Murphy sprinted off the practice field Monday and wasn't available to comment on the return to linebacker. But the coaches like him as an alternative. They also have been pleased with their depth along the defensive line, lessening the need for him to remain up front.
“Once we moved him back, he made some big plays and has done well,” Gruden said.
