Cardinals select Byron Murphy to kick off 2nd round
The Arizona Cardinals selected cornerback Byron Murphy out of Washington with the first pick of the second round - 33rd overall - in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Many expected Murphy to be selected in the first round, but he slid despite excellent ball production in college.
The Cardinals added Robert Alford and Tramaine Brock in free agency in an attempt to shore up their secondary across from Patrick Peterson. Murphy will compete with the recent additions for starting snaps.
Prospect profile
School: Washington
Height: 5-11
Weight: 190 lbs
Strengths
- Very fluid in space with lightning quick feet and soft hips
- Has the ability to mirror in man coverage
- Plays with high intensity and is a good tackler
- Excellent instincts and route recognition
- Phenomenal closing speed to the football
- Instincts are off the charts
- Great ball skills - had a number of passes defended and interceptions
- Effective when blitzing
Weaknesses
- Doesn't possess ideal size, frame, or length
- Below average speed, which hurts his recovery when beaten in press
- Fairly inexperienced - just 20 career games in college
- Has been stacked and beaten by bigger receivers
Bottom line
Murphy isn't the fastest defender or the most explosive athlete, but he's easily the top cover cornerback in this year's draft class. The first-team All-Pac-12 defensive back is incredibly fluid in space and reacts to the ball exceptionally well, making him perfect for a zone scheme. Murphy may be inexperienced relative to his peers, but he sees the field incredibly well. His 4.55 40-yard dash time shouldn't scare anyone away - zone cornerbacks must be quick and shifty, which Murphy is.