Myles Murphy: Grading the Bengals’ No. 28 overall NFL draft pick

Defensive end Myles Murphy began his collegiate career with a bang, leading Clemson with 12 tackles for loss. He had a solid college career, but it is hard to say whether or not he lived up to the hype of being a top-five recruit.

Murphy was All-ACC second team in 2021 and All-ACC first team in 2022. Despite the accolades, he was never dominant.

Murphy is scratching the surface of how good he can be. He is a freak athlete with tools but needs some refining. Murphy had 18.5 sacks over the past three seasons; it seems he had the talent to have 18.5 sacks in a single season.

Those factors make him an intriguing pick for the Bengals.

Grading the Bengals’ selection of Myles Murphy

Murphy is a natural athlete with a tremendous first step off the snap. He has long arms and knows how to use them. He’s a multiple scheme fit with the ability to play the three or five-technique, depending on the situation. Murphy plays with good motor and effort; he finishes when he gets to the quarterback.

He has the ability to drop anchor against the run and force running backs from getting upfield. Murphy can get around the tackle and flatten toward the quarterback. He sometimes needs a plan when rushing the passer, and good tackles can take advantage of his aggressiveness. Murphy’s quick off the ball but doesn’t always translate that speed to power.

The tools are there; let’s see how well he refines them.

Grade: B-