MM #99

Myles Murphy

Defensive End · Clemson

The Bengals' 2023 first-round edge rusher finally broke out in 2025 with a career-high 5.5 sacks after two frustrating seasons.

Myles Murphy arrived in Cincinnati as the highest-drafted Clemson player in Bengals history, and after two seasons of near-invisible pass-rush production, he turned the corner in 2025. Now entering a pivotal contract year, the former first-rounder is being counted on to anchor the Bengals' edge rush.

★ First-round pick, No. 28 overall, 2023 NFL Draft

★ Highest-drafted Clemson player in Bengals franchise history

★ Career-high 5.5 sacks and 41 total pressures in 2025

★ 18.5 college sacks and 36 tackles for loss at Clemson

Path to the league

Murphy was a five-star recruit out of Georgia who became a fixture on Clemson's defensive line, racking up 18.5 sacks and 36 tackles for loss across 35 college games. Rated as a top-25 prospect by draft analysts, he was selected 28th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Murphy's rookie deal carried an estimated $12.6 million slot value with a $6.2 million signing bonus, reflecting the first-round expectations attached to him. His first two NFL seasons were a disappointment on the stat sheet, with just 3.0 combined sacks, leaving questions about whether he'd live up to his draft slot.

2025 season recap

Murphy answered his critics with a breakout 2025 campaign, finishing with a career-high 5.5 sacks, 52 tackles, six tackles for loss, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery. PFF credited him with 41 total pressures, more than double his 2024 output, and he closed the year on a tear with 37 tackles and four sacks over his final nine games, including his first career multi-sack game against the Ravens in Week 15.