2023 mock NFL Draft: 49ers watch NFC get significantly stronger

2023 NFL Draft, Pick No. 6: Detroit Lions – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Aidan Hutchinson is coming off an excellent rookie season for the Detroit Lions but could afford to find a better player across from him as they seek to continue where they left off this season. There is a bit of risk to this selection as it can be difficult to impossible to extend two elite EDGEs, given the salary cap, but that can be a bridge to be crossed later.

Clemson EDGE Myles Murphy has all the tools to be a big-impact player in the NFL, although his tape sometimes doesn’t reflect the talent he has. He had 6.5 sacks for the Tigers this season and showed off his stunning array of moves.

If this was a weaker pass-rusher class, then Murphy would be in the running to be the first off the board come April. Unfortunately, he does have some flaws that need addressing that make him a little less desirable. He petered off after a good start to the season and might have been protecting himself for the NFL a little bit.

Most concerning is he lacks a bit of killer instinct. We all know the impression “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” and that applied to Murphy a few times on film. He lacks a bit of mongrel about him and plays with a bit of unwelcome finesse that he shouldn’t need with his size (6-foot-5, 275 pounds).

But if he was playing to protect himself from injury before the draft, then that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Even then, it can be coached out of him with the excellent team Dan Campbell has put around him.

Talent wise there’s no doubting his ability both as a pass-rusher and a run defender, and Clemson has coached him well to produce from Week 1 next season.