Myles Murphy NFL Draft Overview
Position: Edge
Height: 6’5’’
Weight: 268 pounds
School: Clemson
Myles Murphy 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Myles Murphy has been a force for the Clemson Tigers since joining the team as a top-5 high school prospect. Heavily recruited out of Georgia, Murphy joined the Tigers as a highly touted player in 2020. He burst onto the scene immediately with two sacks and three tackles for loss in his first collegiate game and has improved in all facets of his game since. Myles Murphy brings a quality resume and exciting skill set with him to the 2023 NFL Draft.
During his freshman campaign, Murphy earned Freshman All-American accolades for 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three forced fumbles. In 2021, he produced an impressive 14.5 tackles for loss in addition to seven sacks and two forced fumbles. This earned the sophomore a second-team All-ACC selection. This last season saw Murphy put up 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. His continued stellar performance earned a well-deserved first-team All-ACC selection. After a college career that was often dominant, Myles Murphy has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Strengths:
- Size and measurables provide scheme flexibility.
- Has an arsenal of pass-rush moves and can combine them effectively.
- A fast first step with an ability to quickly get around the edge with rip moves.
- Consistent leverage in the run game.
- Relentless pursuit of the ball carrier.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to develop finesse moves further.
- Can be stubborn with some rush moves when they aren’t working.
- Gets lost in the backfield at times with zone reads and play action.
- Lack of elite bend leads to wide angles on the rush.
NFL Comparison: A less-developed Bradley Chubb
Teams With a Need: Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers
Projection: Mid-First Round Pick
Bottom Line on Myles Murphy
Myles Murphy has all the physical gifts of a top-end edge rusher. His size and athleticism complement the pass-rushing toolbox he brings to his game. Murphy uses a quick first step to explode off the snap and understands how to use his arm length and power to his advantage. He shows an awareness to redirect with spins and pursue the fleeing quarterback. He keeps a high level of pursuit once he identifies the ball carrier and disengages from the block. The ability to consistently gain leverage against lateral blocks is evident when he attacks the runner. He can also be effective when occasionally tasked with dropping into coverage on flat and shallow zones.
Often, Murphy uses his length to stave off offensive tackles with long arm stabs before ripping through the outside. He is technically sound in his maneuvers and shows tremendous attention to detail in his spin moves and chops. While he doesn’t always fully utilize his array of moves, they’re all there. His steady growth presents itself on film and showcases a desire to further develop his craft. Coaches and scouts will certainly love his potential to continue progressing as a pro.
A main concern for Murphy is his susceptibility to read options and play action passes. Too often will he bite on a fake or lose contain too early, allowing for large gains off his side. For today’s NFL, Murphy must develop better ball-carrier awareness to not become a liability when facing certain schemes. Also, as games progress, Murphy will sometimes begin to rely too much on power and lose concentration on his technique. This can lead to his losing hand battles and getting caught up on blocks. His handwork is solid overall, but he can improve on his timing and technique in this area.
Teams draft with production and potential in mind. With Myles Murphy, teams will undoubtedly be thrilled with both. The college production is there already, but he shows the capability to develop even further. Myles Murphy is easily worth a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and should be an immediate contributor with Pro Bowler potential.
Main Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
