Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2023 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at wide receiver, running back, cornerback and both interior and edge pass rusher.
The Vikings are slated to have four picks before compensatory selections are awarded and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Myles Murphy
- Clemson
- Height-6050
- Weight-275 lbs
- Third-year junior
- 5-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 116 tackles, 61 solo, 18.5 sacks, 36.0 tackles for loss, 5 passes defended, 6 forced fumbles
- Games watched: Georgia 2021, Pitt 2021, Notre Dame 2022, Florida State 2022
Strengths
One of the first things that jumps out at you about Murphy is his athleticism. He has a great first step and looks explosive on the field. Murphy gets to the backfield quickly and it is the main reason why he is an elite run defender.
That aforementioned quickness gets utilized a lot with stunts. He loops around quickly and with efficiency.
Along with his quickness, Murphy is a well-built, strong individual. His hands pack a powerful punch and he does a good job placing them when punching.
Murphy flashes multiple pass-rush moves and has the bend to continue growing that repertoire. What helps him with that is a relentless, aggressive motor.
Weaknesses
While there is a ton to work with when it comes to the talent of Murphy, he is very raw. He has shown that he can use multiple moves, but none of them are consistent. He needs technique work on all of them to really realize his potential.
Along with being raw with his pass-rush moves, his pass-rush plan is one in the same. He goes in without a true plan more often than not. He oftentimes just engages the tackle and that finishes most reps.
His aggressiveness can be to a fault. Teams like to run right at him because he would get upfield so quickly and they would want to attack the gap just inside of Murphy.
Overview
| Bend | 8.0/10 |
| Quickness/Burst | 14.0/15 |
| Finesse | 3.7/5 |
| Power | 4.0/5 |
| Counters | 7.8/10 |
| Awareness | 8.2/10 |
| Run Defense | 8.6/10 |
| Versatility | 8.5/10 |
| Size/Length | 14.4/15 |
| Tackling | 8.4/10 |
| Grade | 85.6/100 First Round |
Murphy is a really good prospect but the lack of development or even a go-to pass rush move is slightly concerning. Those things can be developed, especially since I expect him to test off the charts, but I don’t think this is a Travon Walker situation where you take him in the top five and expect an immediate impact and substantial growth. You take him in the late teens/twenties and get him on a path to grow and develop.
