Grading the Arizona Cardinals 2019 NFL Draft class

Second Round (Pick No. 33)

Byron Murphy – CB  (Washington)

The downside with Byron Murphy is that he’s more of a slot corner than someone you line up on the outside. Despite his limitations, Murphy provided value so far as a solid slot cornerback, allowing a completion percentage of 65.3 percent and a quarterback rating of just 87.6 in 2021.

Murphy also logged a career-high in 2021 with 12 pass deflections and his 2.5 career sacks show he’s not afraid to blitz from the corner and wreak havoc in the backfield. Another positive sign with Murphy is that he has improved each season, allowing a staggering 111.2 passer rating in 2019 along with nine touchdowns through the air.

Murphy has allowed seven touchdown passes the previous two seasons combined. He also logged his first pick-six in 2021, one of his four interceptions.

So far, the arrow continues to point north for Murphy and if the Cardinals can get him some help on the edges, look for Murphy’s game to continue to grow.

Grade: A

Murphy doesn’t have Kyler Murray’s credentials, but he has been the team’s best draft pick to date. Look for continued improvement in Year Four.