Pittsburgh Steelers film room: Washington cornerback Byron Murphy
How does Byron Murphy fit the Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers obviously have a fit for Byron Murphy due to needing a replacement for Artie Burns. He will need to get some bulk on his frame to handle the outside duties but that can be done with an NFL training regimen.
The Steelers need a playmaker in the secondary after finishing near the bottom of the league in turnovers and interceptions. Murphy is a ballhawk and can provide that right out of the gate.
Murphy can combine his willingness to support the run with practicing his form and learning from the coaches and could make a change in tackle success similar to Sean Davis from 2017 to 2018. The Steelers need a strong presence in the secondary to help take the defense over the top.
Byron Murphy’s athleticism and coverage ability would be very welcomed to a position opposite Joe Haden. If, however, Murphy was not able to bulk up and handle outside duties, the Steelers would have a backup plan in the case of Mike Hilton eventually departing.
Overall the Steelers just need defensive playmakers regardless of position. Getting a playmaker at corner would just be a double whammy for a Steelers defense desperate for someone who can get takeaways.
Next. 4 Steelers who will be gone by free agency. dark
The Pittsburgh Steelers pick 20th overall, but they could have another first rounder in a potential deal for Antonio Brown. Either way, Murphy could be there at number 20 for the Steelers to select.