As we inch closer to the July 26th start of training camp, the reigning AFC North Divisional champion Cincinnati Bengals have quite a bit to be excited about. That includes the high-power offense, the stellar receiver core, the highly praised quarterback who hasn’t hit his stride, and the Super Bowl potential squad. With the 32 NFL teams putting the finishing touches on their rosters, Myles Murphy appears to be the best off-season addition to the Bengals roster.
Stats
With the date set at August 11th, Cincinnati will take on the Green Bay Packers in their Preseason opener and expect Murphy to make a great first impression on the orange and black nation. Hailing from Clemson University, Murphy recorded 22 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. The Bengals drafted Murphy 28th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the onboarding defensive stands 6’5 and weighs 275 pounds.
Clemson DE Myles Murphy (98) – John Byrum/Getty Images
According to Bleacher Report, the 21-year-old was a five-star recruit in 2020 and ranked number seven nationally. Murphy received the 2021 and 2022 Honors first-team All Atlantic Coast Conference.
No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s list of top athletes entering the season; benches 405 lbs, power cleans 335 lbs, deadlifts 505 lbs, 35-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump, runs the 40-yard dash in the high 4.5-second range – Matt Holder/Bleacher Report
Pros
Aside from having a lightning-fast 275-pound frame, Murphy utilizes that frame to come off the line of scrimmage very quickly. Cincinnati’s defense, on paper, doesn’t seem they can win their division on it alone. However, their pass-rushing game has been a nightmare during their 2022 campaign. Last season, the Bengals held their opponent’s quarterbacks to 59% completion rates, recorded 16 sacks and held opponents’ running game to three yards per carry. A Myles Murphy could easily beef up those numbers. His ability to get around the edge and disrupt the pass could be the ingredient the Bengals need defensively.
Bengals LB Logan Wilson (55) – Sam Greene/The Enquier
Cons
While Murphy is a vaunted rookie, there is some fine-tuning needed. According to Bleacher Report, Murphy needs to be more aggressive against the run. We mentioned earlier that the Bengals allowed three yards per carry. If Murphy is going to be a part of this defense, maintaining this consistency is required.
Considering the Bengals will have to play the Cleveland Browns, Tennesse Titans, and the San Francisco 49ers, it is imperative to stifle the run—the reason being Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb, and Christian McCaffrey.
49er RB Christian McCaffrey (23) – Harry How/Getty Images
In addition, just an aggressive and more physical approach overall will benefit the Bengal’s defense as a whole. Considering the light 2023 schedule ahead, the Bengals could live up to their dominant expectations. The best way they can do that is by ramping up their defensive efforts by way of Murphy developing into the juggernaut his first-round status implies.
Could be more physical at the point of attack as a power rusher to put offensive linemen on their heels and get more of an initial surge and be more effective with his bull rush and one-arm stab moves -Matt Holder of Bleacher Report
Grade: B+
In short, the Bengals have done an excellent job acquiring a skilled defensive end in Murphy. But given the few adjustments needed, it isn’t quite a home run. Of course, time will tell. If Cincinnati addresses the aggressiveness during the offseason, along with adapting to the style of defense Cincinnati employs, Murphy can be an unstoppable force come opening day. The former Clemson Tiger fits perfectly in Lou Anarumo’s Bengal defense. With time, adjustments, and tutelage from the likes of Logan Wilson, Murphy will make the impact we know he can.
