2019 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Is CB Byron Murphy the top corner?

Weakness 1: Size

As touched on in the opening Byron Murphy is definitely lacking the size some of the other top cornerback prospects like Greddy Williams have.

Today’s NFL values taller and lengthy cornerbacks more than ever. Murphy simply isn’t that guy. He is 5’11 compared to a 6’3 Williams. He also doesn’t have the wingspan and long legs to get bigger strides that Williams and others have.

NFL scouts will have to determine if they feel Murphy has enough tools under his belt to make up for his smaller size when determining whether or not he’s a top 10 overall draft pick.

Weakness 2: Strength 

Yes, Byron Murphy is a hard hitter and is clearly plenty strong. Thus, why this a weakness?

It’s simply because of Murphy’s weight. He is clearly undersized as pointed out in the first weakness. This means that Murphy does not have the muscle that some of the other corners coming into the NFL do.

Thus, as Roman Tomashoff pointed out Murphy should look to put on some muscle weight to beef up for the NFL.

Weakness 3: PAC 12 Stereotype/Level of Competition

When this is one of a players biggest weakness, you know you have a solid draft prospect. However, this is a serious factor that could hurt Murphy’s draft stock and his eventual earnings.

The PAC 12 has a poor reputation when it comes to producing NFL talent in recent years. When looking at the cornerback class for 2019 Murphy is among the only early-round players from the PAC 12.

The SEC is considered the pinnacle of collegiate competition and NFL teams consider production within that conference very favorably. While the PAC 12 has some good teams, it also has some basement dwellers that can make an average player look much better than he is.

Murphy will have to prove he can defend the world’s top talent. The combine and individual workouts will go a long way in determining that.