NFL’s Most Overrated and Underrated Players: Byron Murphy, Jr.
Byron Murphy, Jr. was graded by many scouts as a mid to late first-round pick. He was an immensely talented CB at the University of Washington but was still a little raw and needed some technical work before he would pan out in the NFL. Despite the hype around him, he fell to the Cardinals in the second round. The Cardinals wasted no time scooping him with the 33rd pick in the 2019 Draft.
And while the initial plan was for him to sit behind guys like Patrick Peterson for a season, a suspension to Peterson and injuries to other CBs forced the Cardinals to give Murphy his shot earlier than expected. It wasn’t always pretty, as is usually the case with rookie CBs. He recently emerged as one of the game’s best corners, despite not being recognized for it.
The biggest thing Byron Murphy, Jr. wanted to improve on was becoming more of a lockdown corner and making receivers feel like they were on an island. They didn’t give him a chance to really do that through the Cardinal’s first 2 weeks. A Week 3 matchup vs Davante Adams and the Raiders gave him the perfect opportunity to prove himself. And he did just that holding the All-Pro receiver to just 2 catches for 12 yards. Although one was a touchdown, limiting a receiver of Adam’s caliber to 2 catches. To include 0 in the second half is more than enough to impress the average fan. He also clinched the game for the Cardinals with a huge scoop and score in overtime. He showed the big play potential he can bring.
But the test didn’t end there. The very next week he had to line up against last year’s receiving triple crown winner, Cooper Kupp. People consider him one of the best in the game in terms of getting open and always being in the right spot. However, Murphy, with some help, helped limit the All-Pro receiver to just 4 catches for 44 yards. By far one of his worst games in recent memory.
Byron Murphy, Jr. may not have the counting stats that jump off the page. But he’s been largely responsible for shutting down 2 receivers that many people consider to be among the best in the league. And he’s been a big part of what seems like an always-improving Cardinals defense since his arrival, showing that he can indeed put receivers on an “island.” I feel like it’s time people start recognizing him for that.
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