North Carolina defensive tackle Myles Murphy was an absolute specimen at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Murphy measured in at 6-foot-3 and 312 pounds with arms longer than 33 inches. Murphy then proceeded to dominate interior offensive linemen who dared get in his way.
Murphy recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Murphy discussed his week-long appearance at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl, defending the pass and run, which NFL teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You recently participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl. What do you think you proved to NFL scouts and decision-makers in attendance?
Myles Murphy: I feel like I proved that I’m more than a run-stopper. I showcased a ton of pass-rushing ability at the Shrine Bowl. That’s what NFL scouts wanted to see from me. I know people were doubting that I could rush the passer throughout my time at North Carolina.
I think I proved the naysayers wrong. I had a ton of pressures and sacks at the Shrine Bowl. I flashed pass-rushing ability all week long.
JM: On that topic, how would you write your own scouting report? What’s at the forefront of your skill set?
Myles Murphy: I’m very strong and twitchy for my size. I move well for a defensive tackle that’s 6-3, 312 pounds. Great movement skills are at the forefront of my skill set.
JM: Bit of a follow-up. Do you feel like you’re more advanced as a pass rusher or as a run-stopper at this point in time? Do you think you proved you’re equal in both, or maybe you’re still a little ahead as a run-stopper?
Myles Murphy: I feel like I’m equal in both areas. I don’t know what other people might say about me, but I personally feel like I’m equal in both. I think I’ve proven that on multiple occasions. Some people may say I’m a run-stopper first and foremost. That’s what the stats tell you at North Carolina. That's not necessarily how I feel.
JM: How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal?
Myles Murphy: First things first. I’m going to get after you with power. If I feel like you’re getting scared and start sitting down on that power, I can hit you with finesse as well. Once I get a good power rush going, you start preparing for it. I can fool you by hitting you with some finesse moves.
JM: Talk to me about earning the right to rush the passer on third down after stopping the run on first and second down. You strike me as the kind of guy that understands that.
Myles Murphy: Oh yeah, it’s a grinder’s mentality. You have to earn the right to get to third down. Once you get to third down, maybe you’ve had back-to-back plays, or maybe it’s later in the series and you’ve been playing all series long, they kept getting first downs and now you finally have them in a 3rd-and-10 situation. It’s all mentality now. You might be tired or winded, but it’s time to get after that quarterback. You have to have full energy going into that third down.
JM: If you could hand-select the quarterback for your first career NFL sack, who would you choose and why?
Myles Murphy: I’d probably say Lamar Jackson. He’s my favorite player in the league. He’s tough to get down too. He’s very mobile. I proved a lot if I can get him down. That would be tough (laughs).
JM: That’s a great choice (laughs). Which NFL teams did you feel showed a lot of interest in you throughout your meetings at the East-West Shrine Bowl?
Myles Murphy: I thought there were a bunch of teams that had a lot of interest in me. I’d probably say the Packers, Giants, Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys, Texans, and Browns. All of those teams showed a lot of interest.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their 2024 NFL Draft picks on Myles Murphy?
Myles Murphy: You’re going to get a dog. I’m going to be 100% honest with you. It’s a no-brainer. I’m a dog when it comes to this. When I’m in the right scheme and the right fit, I feel like I can’t be stopped. I’m a real dog. Whoever drafts me is going to get a real dog.
