7 Rams must defy the odds and win a 2024 roster spot, even Stetson Bennett?

VI: DT Larrell Murchison

When defensive tackle Larrell Murchison first arrived on the scene on the defensive front, he had all the makings of a solid rotational guy. After all, 2.0 sacks and six tackles in just 54 defensive snaps is very impressive. But he seemed to plateau far too soon, as 252 defensive snaps in 2023 resulted in 16 tackles and no quarterback sacks.

There was an opportunity for Murchison to earn a larger role in 2023. After all, the team had drafted NT Kobie Turner with the expectation that he would become a rotational player. But The Conductor had different plans, showing up and not only earning playing time but terrorizing opposing quarterbacks in the process. NT Bobby Brown III was finally showing some signs of life on the defensive line. That left Murchison to fight for whatever defensive snaps were left.

Murchison stands 6-foot-2 and weights 285 pounds. While a bit undersized for a nose tackle role, he does have the presence to slide around on the defensive front. And thanks to the team's depleted ranks on defensive line, you can bet that Murchison will get a close look at sliding into any role that he can perform well at.

With new DL Coach Giff Smith, everything and everyone is starting from a blank slate. That means that Murchison has a chance to claim a significant role on this defense. The problem is that he is returning for his fifth season in the NFL, and is coming off the best season of his NFL career. He played 252 defensive snaps and recorded 16 tackles. But is his best good enough? I'm not so sure.

The defensive line is getting a lot of attention and reinforcements this year. And with a new positional coach, the specs of ideal fits for the group may be migrating away from Murchison and towards rookies like Braden Fiske and or Tyler Davis. Of course, Murchison has the experience to give him an edge. But if he does not impress coaches in training camp, his experience will mean very little.