The Bengals saw limited production from their 2023 first-round pick, edge-rusher Myles Murphy, during his rookie season. Selected 28th overall, Murphy finished the year with just 20 tackles and three sacks.
In a recent interview, Murphy candidly discussed his underwhelming performance and shared his plans to improve in 2024. “There’s a difference between combine condition and football condition,” Murphy explained via Bengals radio announcer Dan Hoard. “I was in great combine condition last year, but not in good football condition. Now I’m in really good football condition.”
Like many players transitioning from college to the NFL, Murphy focused heavily on training for the Scouting Combine and other predraft workouts. While impressive combine numbers can boost draft prospects, Murphy believes this focus negatively impacted his readiness for the NFL.
However, other factors also contributed to Murphy’s rookie struggles, including joining a team with an already strong group of edge-rushers. The 22-year-old started his NFL career behind veterans Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, who together amassed 101 tackles, 23.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries last season.
This depth chart challenge remains for Murphy, as both Hendrickson and Hubbard are expected to return for Cincinnati. Although a larger role might open up if Hendrickson, who requested a trade in April, were to be dealt, the Bengals have shown “zero interest” in trading him. Hendrickson’s participation in the team’s voluntary workout on Monday underscores his continued presence on the roster.
Murphy hopes that his improved conditioning will help him earn more playing time as a rotational edge-rusher, despite the stiff competition.
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