After three-consecutive seasons of having multiple players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, Clemson was left out of the day-one selections in 2022. Now, ahead of this Thursday's first round, it appears the Tigers will have at least one player selected in the top 31*. *Miami lost their first-round pick for violating league rules.
Myles Murphy, the All-ACC defensive end out of Clemson, seems like a lock for the first round. The nearly 6-foot-5, 268-pound end has been projected as a top-20 pick by multiple outlets.
Former top recruit
Murphy came to Clemson out of Hillgrove high school in Georgia. Ranked as the No.1 strongside defensive end in the class, Murphy held offers from every major Power 5 institution. The 2020 class was elite when it came to defensive prospects. Among the recruits were Will Anderson of Alabama, Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo of Georgia, and Murphy.
Got off to a hot start
As a freshman, Murphy made an immediate impact. Starting 6 games in 2020 (playing in 12) he notched 51 tackles and led the team 12.0 tackles for a loss. For his effort, he was named a Freshman All-American by multiple athletes (The Athletic, ESPN, Rivals, FWAA).
Injury hindered his NFL Draft build-up
A hamstring injury forced Murphy to miss both the NFL Combine and Clemson's Pro Day. Eventually, he was able to complete a private workout at Clemson with a host of NFL scouts in attendance. Murphy's 4.51 in the 40-yard dash would've been good for 6th among defensive ends at the Combine. His 7.22 in the 3-cone drill would've been good for 5th. Measuring in at nearly 6-foot-5 and 268 pounds, those are fairly elite numbers.
The NFL Draft begins on April 27th from 8-11 p.m. (Round 1). April 28th from 7-11:30 p.m. (Rounds 2-3). April 29th from Noon-7 p.m. (Rounds 4-7). The Draft will air on the NFL Network, ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes.
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