CB Byron Murphy doesn’t make top slot defenders list

The Arizona Cardinals believe in cornerback Byron Murphy. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph speaks highly of him entering the new season. He enters his third season ready to break out as a great defender.

He has primarily been a slot cornerback so far in the NFL and that will be his primary role in 2021, although he will likely play every snap this season.

However, with what he has done so far in the NFL, he does not make the cut as one of the league’s top slot defenders, according to Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar.

Former Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu gets the top slot. He was dynamic in the slot when he was healthy for the Cardinals back in the day.

Can Murphy take the leap into this list in a year?

The Cardinals believe in him.

General manager Steve Keim was bullish on Murphy back in March, saying, “We think Murph is one of the better inside corners in the NFL.”

They had him rated the No. 5 overall player in the draft in 2019. If he progresses like he hopes and the Cardinals hope, he could be on this list next summer.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Latest show:

Previous shows:

and