Big Board ranking: #24
Positional ranking: #5
Overview
Position: EDGE
College: Clemson
Class: Junior
Age: 21
Measurables
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 268 lbs.
Arm length: 33 3/4″
Hand size: 8 1/2″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: N/A
10-yard split: N/A
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Bench press: 25 reps
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Prototype overall size/build for a power rusher. Thick lower half and great length. Very strong in general. Able to overpower offensive tackles with bull rushes. Impressive edge bend at his size. Promising ability to flatten to the quarterback. Shows a promising rip move on speed rushes. Uses a gather strike move. Plus burst at the snap. More disruptive and faster when attacking. Jolting for opponents when he gives two-handed strikes with a head of steam. Explosive and absorbing finisher. Tremendous balance dealing with chips. Able to brush off running backs as a pass rusher. Keeps hit feet dealing with double teams. Excellent ability to extend and shed versus run blocks. Effectively uses length to keep blockers off his frame. Strength and length allow him to hold firm setting the edge. Very good overall pursuit. Shows an ability to split blockers. Great reach to get the quarterback when he’s in proximity. Wraps with force and will knock the ball out. Surprising comfort dropping in coverage at his size. Has experience with his hand in the dirt or standing up. Strong enough to shade inside and be effective.
Weaknesses
More of a linear power rusher that lacks twitch. Rushes are mostly basic without fear of an inside counter. Play recognition is inconsistent. Often seems to be around the spot but fails to fully diagnose where the ball is. Has some stiffness in his hips and general sluggishness at times. Struggles to pick up the ball-carrier on zone reads. Needs to clean up gap responsibilities versus the run. Would like to see more aggressiveness away from the action.
NFL comparison
Marcus Davenport
Conclusion
Overall, Murphy is a powerful edge defender with an impressive blend of size, strength, and athletic upside. He needs to be more consistent and add diversity to his rushes, but Murphy should be drafted highly with the ability to be disruptive against the run and pass.