Dec 4, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Bengals helmet before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

CBS Sports Names Bengals Defender Myles Murphy Among 2025 Under-The-Radar Stars

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 8:25 AM ET

2025 represents a key season in Myles Murphy's NFL career. CBS Sports writer Tyler Sullivan thinks he'll meet the moment by being an under-the-radar star this coming campaign.

Murphy has a wide-open path to impact as Cincinnati's top edge rusher with Trey Hendrickson holding out.

"The Bengals selected Murphy with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but that pick has yet to truly provide dividends," Sullivan wrote. "The defensive end posted just three sacks during his rookie season and zero over 13 games played in 2024. Yuck. However, Murphy is slated to replace Sam Hubbard, who retired this offseason, giving him more opportunity to make an impact. And his possible Year 3 breakout would be a welcome sight for Cincinnati, especially with the uncertain status of Trey Hendrickson."

Murphy hasn't hit high heights yet, with just three sacks in two seasons, but a new defensive line coach and defensive coordinator in Jerry Montgomery and Al Golden could help facilitate growth.

He will also try to put an injury-interrupted 2024 season behind him this fall.