What’s Not To Love About Clemson’s Myles Murphy?

Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy is currently projected by CBS Sports to go No. 10 overall in the first-round, and they are not alone in their high opinion.

Leading up to today, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Network, Walter Football, NBC Sports Chicago, Bleacher Report, Draft Wire, Rise N Draft, The Sporting News, The Athletic, The 33rd Team, 247Sports, Fox Sports, FanSided, SBNation, Draft Kings and Pro Football Focus all see Murphy as a future first-round pick.

It’s easy to see why initially when looking at him.

Murphy is a raw combination of size, athleticism and power.

He’s got these long arms and he can even drop back into short zone pass coverages.

I like the projection to Pittsburgh by CBS Sports, because there is no question Murphy projects best to a 3-4 defense (three down defensive linemen and four linebackers).

However, not as a first-round pick.

Why not?

The game film reveals why not.

Murphy lacks instincts and he misses too many tackles

I already know Murphy will shine at his pro days, and teams will fall in love with him.

Teams will fall in love with his highlight reel.

Murphy makes some dynamic looking plays here and there.

It’s important to not get caught up in all of that and look at his full body of work.

🚩It was astonishing how many times Murphy went the wrong direction, plain missed a tackle or was late reacting on running plays🚩

Murphy fails to change direction quickly

That’s the other problem that keeps showing up on the game film time and time again.

🚩Murphy has to have it lined up just so in order to connect in the pocket🚩

There were a number of times where the quarterback (QB) moved around and Murphy couldn’t adjust quickly enough to secure the sack and he missed out on the opportunity.

Can Murphy help us win?

There is so much scouting jargon out there, but it all boils down to this one question.

It doesn’t matter what round a prospect went in three years from now, all that matters is this one question.

Based on what I’ve seen so far, the answer is no.

Murphy may look like the real thing when panning through the prospects, but he’s fool’s gold.

That may sound harsh but I think at the end of the day, he’s raw and his limitations are too damning.

If he does get selected by a team in the first-round, the expectations will be sky high and he just does not have the ability to meet those demands.

Myles Murphy 6-foot-5, 275 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Grade: Third Round (projects best as 3-4 DE or 3-4 OLB) Early Fall 2022 Report

First Round Mock Big Board: TBD

Projected by 94.5% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of September 19, 2022 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2021 game film reviewed: Georgia, Pitt and Iowa State (click to watch games viewed to form this evaluation)

Level of competition: High

2021 stats: 37 tackles (21 solo, 16 assists), 2 passes defended, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble and (42 pressures cbssports.com)

NFL comparable: Sterling Palmer

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Lean and and looks the part either standing up or with his hand down in the dirt. Rotational defender on the right side. In a 4-3 system, showed cat quick first-step and uses hands well, but stalls out after contact. Was able to bend the edge, but not win it one time in these three games. Showed zero pass rush moves and can’t make quick adjustments. Best when running stunts inside, and if he was unblocked he was able to accelerate up into the pocket and be disruptive. Practically took the QB’s head off in the Georgia game. Able to bull rush and get good movement, but not overpower anyone. Able to drop into short zones. Against the run was a step-slow or went the wrong direction too often. Not enough of a factor and missed too many opportunities. When he was able to secure the ball carrier, he made wrapping tackles. Gave good effort and will chase. Raw and will have great challenges as a three-down player.

What to watch for during the 2022 college football season:

1. Does he show any pass rush moves?
2. Does he show more bull-rush power?
3. Is he able to win the edge?
4. Does he look clueless against the run?

Historically, 53% of first-rounders are busts and Murphy is showing all the signs of becoming a statistic at the next level.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.