Myles Murphy – Edge rusher – 21 years old – Junior – Clemson
Height: 1m96
Weight: 125kg
2022 stats: 13 games, 40 tackles, including 11 and a half for loss, 6 and a half sacks, 2 passes defended
Estimated draft position: 1st round
NFL Comparison: Preston Smith
Strong points
- Hybrid jig
- First step and initial contact
- Arm length and direction of pursuit
Promising. Versatile. Polarizing. Myles Murphy is a bit of all that when it comes to running for the 2023 NFL Draft. Launched in his first year in the deep end on the side of Clemson, the native of Marietta (Georgia) has more than met expectations by becoming the main edge rusher of his formation. Despite often supplied groups on the defensive line, he became the record holder for the number of bags among his family for the past two years (14 and a half in total) and one of the most complete athletes in the country.
Without being dazzling, his first step often allows him to have a slight lead over his tackle and thus facilitates the duel. A duel where his hands and upper body are very active and put the direct opponent on the back foot. By thus imposing himself in the pocket, Murphy has two possibilities: to get the quarterback thanks to a good length of arm and a spin move precious, or lock the ground game with a sense of pursuit that allowed him to accumulate 36 tackles for loss in three years.
Despite his height, the defender has already been tested in different situations and has shown good fluidity of movement which could serve him on setbacks as an outside linebacker.
Weak points
- Variety of movements and responsiveness
- Finishing and consistency
The main problem with Myles Murphy is the impact he is likely to have among the pros. Because although complete, the defensive end of training has certain harmful shortcomings when one claims to be selected in the top 10.
His difficulties in finishing the actions, in particular the tackles, remain in themselves perfectible; but it is his overall determination that raises questions, with a 2022 campaign that looks like a rollercoaster: he was able to compile a sack fully fledged in only 4 of the 13 matches played. This was also true the previous year with any benefits and zero sack on half of the meetings of 2021.
From a technical point of view, the first step remains precious. A little too much perhaps, because Murphy has this annoying tendency to “accompany” his opponent on the contact phases, due to a range of movements less established than others or a lack of anticipation and reactivity. .
Possible destinations
Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints
The talent is undeniable in this candidate who is only 21 years old and who can still progress in many areas. It’s hard to conceive of him as an immediate threat in the NFL, but the Myles Murphy project has something to excite: his potential room for improvement and his great versatility would make him a valuable asset on the three attempts.
A little too much in his “comfort” at Clemson, Murphy needs to be questioned: integrating a solid team, in the second part of the first round would probably not be such bad news, beyond the simple financial aspect.
