The Cincinnati Bengals stuck to their board in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft and selected Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy.
Murphy joining an already strong pass-rush that includes Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, Joseph Ossai and others generated some major reactions.
It also stirred up some controversy, though, as fan favorites such as Joey Porter Jr. and Michael Mayer were still available, too.
But the Bengals opted for the guy atop their board, electing to get a guy who appears to fit their scheme very well while helping immediately, stockpiling pass-rushers in an AFC that is increasingly loaded with elite quarterbacks.
Here’s a look at the reaction right after the pick went live.
And the Bengals select Edge Myles Murphy.
Still just 21 years old and will join an edge group of Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and Joseph Ossai
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) April 28, 2023
Ehhhhh. I like taking a pass rusher. Premium position. He's young. https://t.co/yRzyEGBjlo
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) April 28, 2023
Myles Murphy brings even more relentlessness to the #Bengals pass rush.
That’s a really fun pick.
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) April 28, 2023
— Jerrie 🧡🐅🖤 (@_jerrbear_) April 28, 2023
Myles Murphy is a steal for the Bengals at No. 28.
He's a bit raw, but his physical upside is through the roof. Athletic, big-bodied EDGE who plays his ass off. One of the best value picks I've seen in Round 1.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 28, 2023
Yo…that Cincinnati pass rush is wild.
Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, Joseph Ossai and now Myles Murphy.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 28, 2023
Murphy a perfect fit for the Lou Anarumo edge defender body type and noted as one of the highest effort players in the draft.
Those would be top of the list for Bengals.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 28, 2023
Murphy first DL taken by Bengals in first round since Justin Smith in 2001, a few months before Murphy was born.
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) April 28, 2023
I don’t get it based on what was there, but he’s in stripes, so let’s rock.
— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) April 28, 2023
The Bengals draft DE Myles Murphy from Clemson.
He's their type. Strong, size, edge setting, relentless, 13.5 sacks in the last two years.
An investment in the most premium defensive position as they prepare for the incoming extensions on offense.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 28, 2023
I know they have the same initials, but Myles Murphy isn't Michael Mayer.
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) April 28, 2023
Let’s gooooo!!!!
— Dj Reader (@Djread98) April 28, 2023
Myles Murphy is a big, twitchy, powerful edge rusher who is stout against the run and has juice as a pass rusher. He fits exactly what the Bengals like at the position.
He's only just begun to scratch the surface of his potential and show grow into a good starter. pic.twitter.com/0NJ9TM0QiJ
— mike (@bengals_sans) April 28, 2023
Big Lou Anarumo has ANOTHER weapon to work with
One of the best & most creative DCs gets DE Myles Murphy
The first DE the Bengals have drafted in the first round since 2001
Watch us close out the first round on @SportsGrid pic.twitter.com/LmF0M9iGLa
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 28, 2023
#Bengals take Clemson edge Myles Murphy
Had him as the pick in our beat writer mock yesterday. pic.twitter.com/w3ZHnbtz8t
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) April 28, 2023
Myles Murphy was drafted with pick 28 of round 1 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.71 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 48 out of 1634 DE from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/dzxNEOSOSK pic.twitter.com/91G6BYneGK
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 28, 2023
Clemson DE Myles Murphy is the first defensive lineman the Bengals have drafted in the first round since 2001.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2023
