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CB Byron Murphy: How Would Drafting this Player Make the Browns Better?

Round One potential draftee is certainly a “need” position in this year’s draft

By Barry Shuck
NCAA Football: North Dakota at Washington Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
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In all likelihood, the Browns would love to shore up their offensive and defensive lines and will certainly see some young blood on both sides of the ball before the draft has concluded. But just as important, the defensive backfield could use another top-notch cornerback plus an additional safety for competition as well as depth; which would make a ton of sense in the first-round to take either.

Byron Murphy is the second-rated cornerback in this year’s draft behind LSU’s Greedy Williams. Both run the same time in the 40 but Williams is three inches taller. Murphy could be plugged into new DC Steve Wilks’ defense on Day One and shine opposite Pro Bowler Denzel Ward or become depth for T.J. Carrie.

One can only imagine the effect on the division if the Browns had two first-round draft picks at the cornerback position in the pass-happy AFC North.

Specifics

College: Washington
Height: 5’-11”
Weight: 182 pounds
40-time: 4.45
Career Tackles: 74
Career Interceptions: 7
Career Sacks: 1

Positives

  • Could become the best CB in this year’s draft class
  • Top speed with quickness
  • Smooth athlete
  • Outstanding ball skills
  • Physical and will help the run game
  • Instinctive on passing routes
  • First-Team All American (Pro Football Focus)
  • First-Team All Pac-12
  • Bednarik Award Finalist

Negatives

  • His size with taller wide receivers
  • Has trouble staying with his man in deep coverage
  • Because of his speed, not tested enough on the college level
  • Less than two-year starter

Expert Draft Site Analysis

DraftBlaster.com

Very competitive, hard hitting and aggressive corner that comes from a system that is churning out defensive backs year after year. Exceptional reactions and instincts, always seems to be in the right position. Loves to tackle and very active against the run. Not the biggest corner, but has enough size to hold up against bigger receivers, with the shiftiness to cover smaller running backs when needed.

What level of interest would you have in the Browns considering Murphy?

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