Undrafted Pass Rusher Caleb Murphy Working Hard To Earn His Place

When it comes to undrafted rookie free agents, the Tennessee Titans have a strong history of keeping them on their roster.

Photo By: Greg Arias/AllTitans.com

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has a history of undrafted rookie free agents making his rosters, including defensive tackles Teair Tart and Naquan Jones, among others who, since he became the team’s head coach, that has earned a place on his teams. 

To that end, multiple undrafted rookie free agents currently residing on the team’s roster hope to be the next to break through from undrafted to NFL player. 

One such player is Caleb Murphy, the former small-school sack master from Ferris State. The 6-foot-3, 254-pound rusher set sack records across all levels of college football with 24.5 sacks in a single season. 

Now a member of the Titans, Murphy is excited and working to earn his place on the team’s 53-man roster. He shared why he chose the Titans during the team’s recent practices. 

 “I just felt like Tennessee is a good spot,” said Murphy. “They work hard. (Mike Vrabel) said all good things to me when we had our conversation after the draft. There’s just a lot of availability and opportunity here, so you have to continue to work hard because coach Vrabel prides himself in people working hard.”

What has been the most significant difference for Murphy in making the jump from college to the NFL?

“It’s different than anything else you’ve ever been a part of football-wise,” Murphy said. “I feel like there’s a lot more knowledge and terminology that you need to know going into it, and as long as you’re studying – it’s good to pick up on, it’s easy to pick up on – but you just got to continue to stay in the books.” 

 “It’s all about perfecting technique (and) “I’m trying to learn more about my craft and learn more about my abilities, and what I can do off of other things. Offensive linemen, they get to their sets regardless, so you just have to figure out how to beat guys to their sets.”

Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ferris State defensive lineman Caleb Murphy (DL41) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

While most considers Murphy a longshot to make the roster, his chances of finding a place on the team's practice squad seem a no-brainer for someone with his size, speed, and physical attributes. 

However, the Titans could fear losing him to another team should they decide to release Murphy and hope to resign him to the practice squad, forcing them to keep him on the 53-man roster to protect him from another team.  

Currently, the Titans have Harold Landry, Arden Key, and Rashad Weaver as their top-line edge rushers, along with Sam Okuayinonu, Murphy, and fellow rookies Thomas Rush and Zach McCloud, all vying for a place on the roster.  

The depth of the outside linebackers will be determined in training camp, where Murphy and the rest will have their chance to win their place on the roster as the team enters the 2023 season.  

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