NFL
By Jalen Willingham
The Cincinnati Bengals took defensive end Myles Murphy out of Clemson with the 28th pick to start off their 2023 draft class. Murphy is the first defensive lineman that the Bengals have drafted in the first round since taking Justin Smith 4th overall out of Missouri in 2001.
In three years at Clemson, Murphy was a 2-time All-ACC player while having 116 tackles, 18.5 sacks, and 36 tackles for loss. He also played in three bowl games. Murphy at one point was projected to go in the top 10 of the draft. The Bengals got a great player for years to come.
While Cincinnati took an edge rusher, Michael Mayer, Nolan Smith, Joey Porter Jr., and Brian Brach were all there still waiting for their names to be called
Quite a few Bengals fans were wondering why Cincinnati didn’t take Nolan Smith from UGA. While Nolan Smith would’ve been the exciting pick, he also just doesn’t really fit the mold of edge rushers that the Bengals usually go after. On the flip side, Murphy is exactly what the Bengals look for out of an edge rusher. He has all the tools needed to be an elite pass rusher at the next level. At 6’5 270 pounds and running a 4.52 40, Myles Murphy will be an imposing figure to watch chase down quarterbacks on Sundays. 270-pound players that can run a 4.5 are extremely rare to find.
Myles Murphy Was The Right Choice
Passing on tight end Michael Mayer on the other hand was also a head-scratcher as well for many Bengals fans. The Bengals organization has made it loud and clear that the tight end position isn’t valued as much in their offense, unlike other offenses around the league. They are also showing confidence in Irv Smith Jr. to be their starting tight end going forward for 2023.
It’s also important to note that the Bengals needed to upgrade their pass rush after a lackluster 30-sack total in 2022. Spending a premium pick on Murphy gives an instant boost to their unit. With Murphy also still being just 21 years old, there will still be a lot of room for the rookie to improve as well. Bringing in another pass rusher will also lessen the workload off of both Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. If needed, Myles Murphy can also move inside and play at defensive tackle in the run and passing game as well.
Perhaps Murphy will also eventually be replacing one of those two as well. There were many times late in games last season when they were both gassed due to playing so many snaps. Hendricksons injuries also weren’t helping his case either. Now the Bengals’ defense will have another man to get after the best of the best quarterbacks. Imagine a passing situation where Cincinnati has Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, D.J. Reader, and Myles Murphy all in at once. You can’t forget about BJ Hill, Joseph Ossai, and Zach Carter either. This Bengals defensive line is now loaded with talent, and it should be fun to watch.
Myles Murphy is originally from Marietta, Georgia which is only 25 minutes from the city of Atlanta. He was a 5-star prospect out of Hillgrove high school before committing to Clemson.
