The future seems to be flying high with the Arizona Cardinals and what better way to showcase that future with a segment called Watching The Birds. Watching The Birds will spotlight some of the newer members of the Arizona Cardinals or some players that may not be a particular household name to most fans but looks poised for a breakout role on the team. Today, we will spotlight former University of Washington cornerback and now second-round draft pick Byron Murphy. Let’s break down Byron Murphy and see what will make him stand out among a very talented Cardinals defense.
The Basics
- Born in Scottsdale, Arizona
- 5-foot-11, 190 lbs
- Played at Washingto
- 33rd overall pick (2nd cornerback drafted)
- 58 tackles, four interceptions, 17 passes defended in 2018 at Washington
- 4.55 40-yard dash time, 14 bench reps, 102-inch broad jump recorded at NFL combine
- 91.9 Pro Football Focus college grade(best in the nation)
Strengths
- Great play recognition, play action does not seem to affect him
- Not afraid to be physical, big-time tackler in space
- Extremely heavy hitter for a corner, forced four fumbles in college and made many receivers drop passes from his heavy shots
- Would make an instantly good NFL-level zone corner
- Was a pivotal leader on one the best defensive backfields in the country at Washington(5th in opponent points per game, 12th in total opponent offense)
- Knows exactly when to deflect the ball and when to make a play for an interception. Understands the importance of a drive-killing deflection.
- Makes good plays on the ball even when out of position
Weaknesses
- Not as effective in man coverage as he would be in zone coverage. Still dangerously adequate.
- Too reliant on causing big hits to force the ball loose. Sometimes gives up lots of space with the focus on making a huge hit. That strategy may not work with stronger NFL receivers.
- Can be a little too aggressive in coverage. Got bailed out at times for his coverage gambles by playing inferior competition.
Final analysis
This was a huge steal in the draft that the Cardinals got a player with the skill set of Byron Murphy. He was a player that most scouts pegged as arguably the best corner in the draft. His ball skills are indicative of a player that can play a pivotal starting role on the defense as long as he isn’t asked to cover elite wide receivers. With Patrick Peterson being out for six games, his development will have to come quicker than it normally would, but his immense self-talent and talent around him should keep him safe. He is a top cornerback from an elite defensive unit at Washington, which means good news for his professional progression as top corners such as Murphy from schools with elite secondaries typically find success in the league in the first few years of their career. Murphy will excel at using the Cardinals pass rush to make plays on the receiver or force a shaky quarterback into an interception. I can see him being an immediately great zone nickel-corner and also good enough to immediately shut down a team’s second-best wide receiver. This was a great pick by the Cardinals especially by them drafting him with the 33rd overall pick and it should pay immediate dividends.
Who else would you like to see on Watching The Birds? Let us know in the comments below! Also, follow The Cards Wire on Twitter @Cards_Wire and follow me on Twitter @rrickswriting.
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