Packers take edge rusher in latest Todd McShay 2023 Mock Draft
By Paul Bretl
Safety, tight end, receiver, and interior defensive lineman are all needs the Packers will have to address this offseason, and you can again add edge rusher to that list—especially with it being one of the most important positions in the game.
The depth of the edge rusher position was a concern prior to the 2022 season and remains one heading into 2023. Without Rashan Gary over the last month, Green Bay has really struggled to generate any sort of consistent pass rush.
At some point, Gary will receive an extension, but his ACL injury very well could cause him to miss time next season. If the Packers wanted to, they could save a few million dollars by releasing Preston Smith this offseason, but even if he returns, he is no longer a long-term answer at the position.
Lastly, while Kingsley Enagbare has flashed on several occasions this season, at this point in his career, he is better suited as a regular rotational player rather than someone who should be relied on for 70-plus percent of the defensive snaps. After those three players, the Packers are really hurting at this position, and are in need of upgrades to the regular four-man rotation.
To help remedy this major need, in a recent mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay ($$), he has the Packers taking edge rusher Myles Murphy with the 14th overall pick.
"“I’m going best available in Murphy, my No. 8 prospect,” wrote McShay. “He brings burst, power and bend off the edge, and he’d prove versatile in Green Bay’s scheme. Rashan Gary will be coming off a torn ACL next season, and the Packers have managed only 24 sacks this season (tied for 26th). Murphy has the tools to be a force in the NFL.”"
Murphy measures in at 6’5” – 275 pounds, fitting that similar big-bodied mold that the Packers have coveted in recent years with Gary, Smith, and Za’Darius Smith. Murphy has 1,561 career snaps at Clemson over the last three seasons. Most snaps came as a traditional edge rusher, but Clemson did move Murphy around at times with snaps inside.
This year, in particular from a production standpoint, he has totaled 34 pressures, six sacks, and was a first team All-ACC selection. Last season, he had 42 pressures and nine sacks. For what it’s worth, Murphy has also graded out relatively well against the run over his career by PFF’s metrics, an area where the Green Bay edge rushers as a unit have to improve.
Of course, a lot can and will change between now and draft night in April. But with edge rusher being a big need and Murphy likely going to be near the top of many edge rusher rankings, he’s a name to keep your eyes on as the pre-draft process unfolds.