Asking for a Comparison between Demarco Murray and Jay Ajayi

garyv

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Asking for a Comparison between Demarco Murray and Jay Ajayi ? really have only
seen a few highlights of Jay Ajayi and was curious what it would change in the Boyz
Offense having him back there rather than Murray ?
 

xwalker

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CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
Asking for a Comparison between Demarco Murray and Jay Ajayi ? really have only
seen a few highlights of Jay Ajayi and was curious what it would change in the Boyz
Offense having him back there rather than Murray ?

Murray is more physical. Ajayi looks physical, but does not play that way.
Ajayi will run far outside but does not have the speed to do that in the NFL consistently. When Murray runs outside it's normally tight to the OT.
Murray was faster in college. Maybe not now.
Murray is currently better in Pass Pro.
Ajayi would have to adapt to the Cowboys scheme which requires 1 cut and get up-field. He has a tendency to dance around at times.
Ajayi has a degenerative knee condition, Murray does not.
 

egn22

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Coming out here's Murray's report

6'0"
213 lbs
4.4 forty

STRENGTHS
tall with a muscular build. Possesses great burst and the top end speed to break the long one. Strong runner that consistently finishes runs and falls forward. Excellent receiver that can get big chunks of yards after the catch. Very capable blocker in pass protection.

WEAKNESSES
Does not have the vision to consistently find open lanes and looks to bounce the ball outside too soon. Runs a bit high and lacks the power to get the difficult yards between the tackles. Lacks the agility to always make the first man miss in the hole. Has struggled to stay on the field.

And another Murray Report:
(Notice they contradict each other on pass protect)

Positives: Unbelievable athlete, great speed, jumping ability, overall athleticism is off the charts... Extremely quick in the open field, very good footwork and balance... Good short area burst, allows him to beat defenders to the corner... Good vision... Always knows where to go and sees things develop quickly... Exceptional receiving ability, will sometimes line up at wide receiver... Soft hands out of the backfield, versatile threat... Very good route runner... Has the ability to return kicks and punts in the NFL... Has a ton of potential if he keeps himself healthy.


Negatives: Shows too much of the ball when he's running, NFL defenders will rip the ball away from him too often... Has an upright running style that allows him to be knocked off center and has a hard time breaking tackles... Has a hard time getting out of arm tackles, needs to be stronger through the hole... Below-average leg drive, doesn't push the pile, gets driven backwards by larger defenders... Not a good pass blocker, usually goes out for passes on third downs... Tons of injury concerns, his upright running style leaves him vulnerable to a ton of hits, and missed games during each of his first three years. Likes to break too many runs to the outside, needs to work more between the tackles.


Ajayi report

6'0"
221 lbs
4.5 forty

Strengths
Good size and great feet. Former soccer player with sudden feet. Able to string together multiple moves at a time. Varies speeds as a runner and can call on second gear when he sees daylight. Hips and feet always in sync thanks to soccer background. Shows enough wiggle to make defenders miss and can create and improvise if creases aren't offering much. Runs with wide base and generates leg drive to push. Plays with bend and bursts through the hole with low pad level. Reliable yards-after-contact back. Accelerates into contact on second level. True weapon out of backfield with adequate hands and good feel for maximizing each catch in space. Twists and turns and fights to fall forward. Asked to be physical, downhill runner between tackles and he obliged. Shows good blitz recognition. Showed mental toughness and character, coming back from deep in the doghouse for October 2011 arrest.

Weaknesses
Gets too cute at times looking to sift laterally from gap to gap as he approaches line of scrimmage. Needs to run with more urgency to perimeter. Can get out-flanked when opportunity to turn corner was previously available. Average feel through the hole. Runs into defenders he should be able to avoid. Heavy workload in 2014 with 398 total touches (28.4 per game). Ball-security concerns with 11 fumbles over last 597 carries. Pass-protection technique needs improvement. Tore his ACL in 2011. Was arrested for stealing sweatpants in 2011 and faced long road of severe punishment from coach.
 
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