2023 NFL Draft: Should Myles Murphy Be a Priority for the Jaguars?

Could the former top recruit be the next Jaguars' first-round pick?

Author:
John Shipley
Publish date:
Apr 12, 2023 10:02 AM EDT

The 2023 NFL Draft season is upon us.

Among the 32 teams building their rosters to compete for the next Lombardi Trophy is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who hold nine picks in this season’s draft -- including the No. 24 overall pick.

As we march closer and closer to April’s draft, we will look at individual draft prospects and how they would potentially fit with the Jaguars. Instead of looking at any negatives, we are going to look at what the players do well and if they could match what the Jaguars need at the specific role or position.

Next up: Clemson pass-rusher Myles Murphy.

Overview

Myles Murphy is one of the prospects in the 2023 class that was a blue-chip recruit and has seen his name at the top of mock drafts since he was 18 years old. Ranked a five-star recruit by 247Sports, Murphy was the No. 7 overall recruit, the No. 2 recruit in Georgia, and the No. 1 strong-side defensive end recruit.

Murphy committed to Clemson after drawing offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Michigan, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Murphy, who measured at 6-foot-4 and 271 pounds at his pro day, ran a 4.53 40-yard dash and recorded a 31-inch vertical jump, a 7.21-second three-cone, and a 4.29-second short shuttle at his pro day.

Murphy was a Freshman All-American in 2020, starting six games and leading Clemson in forced fumbles (three) and tackles for loss (12) while recording four sacks.

Murphy followed this up with 10 starts in 2021, leading the team in forced fumbles (two), tackles for loss (14), and sacks (seven) while earning Second-Team All-ACC honors.

Murphy started 11 games in 2022, recording 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three pass deflections while earning First-Team All-ACC honors.

What Myles Murphy Does Well

One of the most physically intimating edge defenders in the entire draft class, Myles Murphy looks like a complete prototype. He is a hulking defensive end with plenty of length and power, while also having 4.53 speed at 270 pounds. If you were to describe what a complete pass-rusher would look like from a physical perspective, it is Murphy.

Murphy is able to impact both the run and pass thanks to these traits, specifically his first-step explosiveness. He has an excellent get-off and overall burst throughout the play, which is dangerous when combined with his frame and power. Murphy uses this get off to threaten tackles off the edge, quickly converting speed to power as a pass-rusher to get them off-balance.

As a pass-rusher, Murphy has enough bend for a bigger type of player to close a tight arc on quarterbacks. This is seen when he displays rip moves at the top of the arc, as well as when he uses his length to perform an effective one-arm move.

Murphy's athleticism and speed for his size serve him well on stunts and blitzes as well. He shoots gaps on slants with good speed, quickly turning upfield to pressure the passer. He has the balance and foot speed to line up as a stand-up blitzer on the edge or on the interior, while also having the power to line up inside.

Against the run, Murphy is as advertised. He can break down and make plays in space, showing a knack for forcing fumbles in one-on-one tackling situations. He has a high motor and enough speed to chase down plays from the backside, while also having the power and explosiveness to recreate the line of scrimmage and make plays in the backfield.

How Myles Murphy Would Fit With the Jaguars

I understand why there are some who compare Murphy to Travon Walker, the Jaguars' selection at No. 1 overall last year. I am not sure Murphy is the same type of special athlete, but he certainly plays a similar brand of football, while still being a well-above athlete on the edge.

Murphy is a long, powerful pass-rusher who has the ability to line up as a stand-up rusher, as a defensive end in a four-man front, in a wide nine technique, and inside over a guard. For a Jaguars team that needs to replace two inside/outside pass-rushers in Dawuane Smoot and Arden Key, a pass-rusher like Murphy who lined up all across the defensive line makes sense.

Murphy would give the Jaguars a trio of long edge-setters who can make plays against the run between himself, Walker, and Josh Allen, while also giving the Jaguars a young duo who can be used interchangeably. Murphy's experience on the edge could allow Travon Walker to play inside for more snaps, while the versatility of both defenders means they could see the field together frequently in base defense scenarios. A trio of Murphy, Walker, and Allen lining up and down the defensive line in passing situations would be an intimidating group.

Verdict

It is tough to imagine a scenario where a player like Myles Murphy is available past the first 20 picks. In fact, Murphy has the type of rounded skill-set and proven production and physical traits that there is an argument to make for him as a top-10 pick.

In short, Murphy would be a stellar value selection at No. 24 if he falls there. It is just tough to imagine 23 teams passing on Murphy in this draft class, even with four quarterbacks set to go early.

Trading up is typically a losing venture in terms of value, but Murphy could be one player in this class who would merit it. He can offer similar instant production against the run that Travon Walker had in 2022, but he will have a higher floor as a pass-rusher without sacrificing any ceiling.

For all of our 2023 NFL Draft profiles, click below.