Murphy

[*ochocincos*]

(08-28-2023, 12:19 AM)sandwedge Wrote: Huh? Every draft publication I saw had Murphy late 1st round...
Not sure why everyone is freaking out about Murphy's preseason, he's young and learning the ropes from one of the best. He was going to be part of a rotation.
Relax, he will be ready when it's his turn.

Exactly.
The Bengals had their top 3 edge in Hendrickson, Hubbard, and Ossai.
Picking Murphy was to add some rotational depth but mainly plan for when Hendrickson eventually hits FA.

Could the Bengals have picked a DE on Day 2 instead? Sure.
But they got two good Day 2 picks who will (likely) contribute early, if not immediately.
Bengals probably got the edge with the most long-term potential remaining in the draft, but they don't need him to be a 7+ sack guy right out of the gate.