Bengals Get High Grades For Myles Murphy Draft Pick

Cincinnati added some needed juice to the pass rush on Thursday night.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Apr 28, 2023 8:02 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals received pretty good grades for the selection of Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy at Pick 28.

Check out a full slate of marks from major outlets.

NFL.com: A

"Murphy was not a dominant player at Clemson but showed the ability to win the edge at times and has the strength to hold his part of the bargain on run defense," Chad Reuter wrote. "The Bengals could have used a cornerback, but perhaps they did not have any first-round-caliber players at the position left on their board. Tight end Michael Mayer would have also been a worthy selection."

The Athletic: A

"With only 30 sacks as a team last year and competing against elite quarterbacks seemingly every week, the Bengals matched need with value in selecting Murphy," Scott Dochterman wrote. "A former five-star recruit, Murphy has all of the physical tools to be an outstanding defensive end. Murphy (6-4 ½, 268) is powerful with a 405-pound bench press and has high-level acceleration with a 4.53 40 time at his pro day. He’s physical and powerful with heavy hands despite their smallish measurements (8 ½ inches).

"The Tigers kept Murphy mostly on the edge the past three years with 1,244 snaps outside the tackle. Murphy was prolific at getting to the quarterback, with 17.5 sacks and 37 tackles for loss in 38 career games. Murphy also recorded 66 hurries in the last three seasons, according to PFF. He has the flexibility to play either side in the Bengals’ 4-3 and could start at some point this season."

CBS Sports: B

"There is great value in getting Murphy in this spot," Pete Prisco wrote. "If they want to win a Super Bowl, they have to beat the great quarterbacks in the AFC. That means pressure. Murphy joins a good group and gives them fresh legs. "

Sports Illustrated: B+

"With a stacked roster, the Bengals went with the best-player-available approach," Gilberto Manzano wrote. "They didn’t waste any time announcing the selection of Murphy, who has high upside and displayed a relentless motor at Clemson. The Bengals could have a deep pass-rushing group with Murphy, Sam Hubbard, and Trey Hendrickson."

The Ringer: B

"Murphy fits the Bengals’ edge rusher mold well, offering an explosive first step with excellent size," Danny Kelly wrote. "The former Clemson star doesn’t finish his rush as well as you’d like, but he offers a high floor as a run defender and pocket disruptor. This is a solid, no-frills pick. My 28th ranked player goes 28th."

PFF: Very Good (second-best behind elite)

"Myles Murphy looked like a future top-five pick after a freshman season that saw him produce an 85.2 PFF grade, but he didn't progress much beyond that," PFF wrote. "However, he produced a PFF grade of at least 79.0 in each of the past three seasons and racked up 76 pressures over the past two years."

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