Patriots undrafted free agent profiles: DT Bill Murray

Patriot fans have become accustomed to the ever present undrafted free agent (UDFA) on the roster. Every opening day roster since 2004 has seen one or more UDFA’s, a total of 34 players over that span. This year there are 16 Patriot hopefuls looking to extend the streak and make the final 55. Let’s take a look at each player and how they can make the roster.

Take a look at our previous profiles here.

• Rashod Berry, TE/DE, Ohio State
• De’Jon “Scoota” Harris, LB, Arkansas
• Brian Lewerke, QB, Michigan State

There always seems to be a small school guy in these UDFA classes. Names like Malcolm Butler (West Alabama), Kenny Moore (Valdosta State), and Dane Fletcher (Montana State) come to mind. This year is no different as the Patriots signed defensive tackle Bill Murray out of William and Mary. Murray is an interesting signing given the fact that the interior of the defensive line is already pretty set with Lawrence Guy, Beau Allen, and Adam Butler projected to make up the middle of the line. Not to mention the litany of other players that can play both inside and out like Byron Cowart, Nick Thurman, Deatrich Wise Jr. and other UDFAs.

The question is where does Murray fit in?

We can start on special teams, where Murray really stood out in college. Murray blocked 10 kicks in his career at William and Mary and was named all conference special teamer twice. Here are some block highlights.

In terms of defensive production Murray led the Tribe in sacks three times and in tackles for loss twice. He posted 19.0 sacks, 32.0 tackles for loss, and 143 tackles in 40 games. While looking through his senior highlights you could tell what kind of player he is immediately. He is a high motor guy who plays through the whistle. He also does a great job of timing snaps. Here are some of his defensive highlights.

Finding a spot on this team will be hard for Murray, he is entering a pretty stacked position group and will be fighting for a singular spot. His competition includes a few veterans who have made NFL rosters before and a former SEC defender who competed at the highest level possible. There is always a chance and I see Murrays best chances coming as a playmaker on special teams. If you block enough kicks in the preseason they have to keep you, right? If the blocked kicks don’t earn him a spot maybe he can try out at wide receiver.

What a celebration.