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Pittsburgh Steelers film room: Washington cornerback Byron Murphy

By Brandon Kring

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies warms up before the Pac 12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Levi's Stadium on November 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies warms up before the Pac 12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Levi's Stadium on November 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive back Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies bats a pass away from wide receiver Keenan Curran #6 of the Montana Grizzlies at Husky Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive back Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies bats a pass away from wide receiver Keenan Curran #6 of the Montana Grizzlies at Husky Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

The Positives

Byron Murphy is a very versatile corner in coverage. He has the quickness and smooth hips to transition mid play and stick to his man when in man coverage.

His quickness allows him to change direction effortlessly and make plays on the ball. His ball awareness is a huge plus and resulted in six interceptions and 20 passes defensed in just 20 games at Washington.

Murphy is a willing tackler that will initiate contact in run support. He had two forced fumbles in his career but the willingness to hit also helped when defending passes thrown his way.

His coverage ability is the most polished of the top three corners. He can play man or zone and excel in both right away.

Murphy plays with great technique which helps a corner make the pro transition more seamlessly. Pro teams will love his versatility to play well in either coverage as well as his eagerness to make a play on the ball. Takeaways are important in the NFL and his ability really pushes him to the top of many teams’ draft list.

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