There weren’t many ways NFL offenses could exploit the Cincinnati Bengals‘ defense last year. A unit that embodied depth at all spots became the backbone for another playoff run.
The one area where Lou Anarumo’s unit faltered was turning quarterback pressures into quarterback takedowns. Cincinnati was 29th in the league in sacks, and coming close but not finishing against Patrick Mahomes ultimately became the difference in the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Among many reasons, this is why Myles Murphy was drafted 28th overall in this year’s NFL Draft. The Bengals’ newest defensive end is getting his feet wet in OTAs, and progress is already happening for the 21-year old with plenty to learn.
Murphy noted how the learning curve in a new defense is actually been anything but a hurdle as he’s figuring out NFL life.
“At Clemson, we played a 4-3, 3-4, over, under, Bear, three-man front, dime, a little bit of everything,” Murphy told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “It’s a little bit simpler here and I’m learning it a little faster than I did at Clemson and that’s been a big benefit.”
The Bengals were intrigued by Murphy primarily for his skills on the edge, but the former five-star recruit played multiple techniques during his three years at Clemson.
His position versatility should play into how he’s utilized in the Bengals’ defense as well, but he’ll make his money doing what he does best on the outside.
Murphy falling 28 picks in the draft was surprising considering where he was ranked in the consensus, but a lack of notable growth in his final two seasons at Clemson may’ve been a reason.
That he’s picking things up faster at the NFL level bodes well for him becoming a useful pass rusher out the gate. It’s exactly what the Bengals need most out of their defensive line.
If Murphy can immediately bring that spark off to go with Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and Joseph Ossai, the Bengals will have edge rusher depth like they haven’t had in the last several years.
Game planning against the defense will become even more tasking for offenses who can’t hold up in protection for more than 2.5 seconds.
The Bengals’ lone defensive weakness may become yet another strength.
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