The Chicago Bears' pass rush in 2022 was putrid, making edge rusher a high-ranking 2023 NFL Draft need. But rarely is Clemson's Myles Murphy a prospect associated with the Bears as a first-round target.
Murphy began the 2022 college season as an edge defender with a top-10 grade. He was considered a lock to be one of the first defensive players chosen. His production slipped from 8 sacks in 2021 to 6.5 in 2022, and the decision to skip the NFL Combine for a healthier pro day workout pushed his name further down the first-round board.
Myles Murphy restored some of his draft stock after a dazzling pro day. He ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at 268 pounds. His 7.20 three-cone time would've been the fifth-best among edge players at the Combine. Now, his name is moving up in the latest round of 2023 mock drafts.
ESPN's Todd McShay projected Murphy to the Green Bay Packers at No. 15, only six spots after the Chicago Bears' first-rounder, No. 9 overall.
In the latest mock draft from The Draft Network, it's the Bears who pull the trigger on the Clemson star.
"Second-year general manager Ryan Poles did a good job shoring up the linebacker portion of the Bears’ front seven with some big signings in free agency," TDN's Jack McKessy wrote. "Still, a team that finished dead last in team sacks and had a rookie safety as its team sacks leader in 2022 could use some additional help up front.
"Myles Murphy is a fantastic athlete at the position that can win from any alignment and defensive front. He put up consistent production throughout his time at Clemson and as a plug-and-play defender, immediately could give Chicago the young, athletic defensive lineman they’re sorely missing."
Myles Murphy would be Chicago Bears' top edge defender
Even though most Bears fans are hoping for an offensive lineman or Jalen Carter in the first round, Murphy would still be a massive upgrade.
The Chicago Bears finished dead last in the NFL with 20 sacks last year. GM Ryan Poles hasn't made a marked upgrade this offseason to feel good about that number going up. DeMarcus Walker should help create more pressure, but he alone isn't enough.
Indeed, when the Bears held the No. 1 pick, Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. seemed like the can't-miss selection. Now that they've traded back to No. 9, the quality of pass rushers who should be available aren't as exciting. But that doesn't mean they aren't talented. Myles Murphy is a plug-and-play starter with 10-sack upside.
The Chicago Bears first-round pick should be about one of two things: protect QB Justin Fields or sack the opponent's quarterback. And if Poles decides that sacking the opposing quarterback is the bigger priority, Murphy could be the pick.