Arizona Cardinals: 3 rising stars in 2020

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 20: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants scores a touchdown past Byron Murphy #33 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at MetLife Stadium on October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Byron Murphy Jr.

Murphy, like Kirk, played high school football at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale. Murphy is one year younger than Kirk but can be every bit the star Kirk has the potential to be.

In his rookie season of 2019, Murphy had just 1 interception but it was a beauty against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had 10 passes defensed this past season.

He was forced into a starting situation early after the loss of veteran Robert Alford in preseason and Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson due to a 6-game suspension to start the season. He managed to accumulate 78 tackles over the course of his 16 starts.

Murphy did show he still has a lot to learn but if he can put up these kinds of statistics while learning, then that should be fine with Cardinals fans. He will certainly start out training camp at the top of the depth chart but he can’t be complacent.

He has a good chance to continue to build a positive reputation and gain respect from his opponents. Don’t be surprised if he is a consideration for the Pro Bowl in 2020.

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