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2019 NFL Draft Combine: Top 10 Players to Watch

By John Mitchell

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners approaches the stands after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners approaches the stands after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Washington All-American Byron Murphy has been rising up draft boards in the pre-draft process, and the door might be opening up slightly for Murphy to make a move to be the top cornerback prospect in the draft, a spot that has been held by LSU’s Greedy Williams all season long.

Like Williams, Murphy is a redshirt sophomore with tremendous upside and athleticism. Murphy played wide receiver in high school and those ball skills have translated to the defensive backfield, where he picked off four passes in 2018 with the Huskies.

Murphy has outstanding closing speed and a knack of playing the ball in the air, consistently getting his head turned around to defend passes, something that young defensive backs often struggle with mastering.

The Washington product could turn a strong showing in Indianapolis, where he is likely to test very well, into vaulting Greedy Williams on some draft boards. It looked like the LSU corner was a lock for the top spot, but Murphy has injected some doubt into the conversation. At the moment, the consensus is that he has surpassed Georgia’s Deandre Baker for the No. 2 corner slot, and he might not be done climbing just yet.

There are several teams in the Top 10 with needs at corner, including the Raiders, Buccaneers, Lions, and Broncos, so it’s certainly possible that two corners could be selected within the first 10 selections in April.

Look for Murphy to solidify his status this week.

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