3 reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars should pick DL Myles Murphy in the 2023 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to add reinforcements to their defense in the 2023 NFL Draft. Although taking a cornerback with the 24th overall pick would make sense, the front office has brought in a handful of pass-rush prospects over the last few weeks.

This isn't to say that the Jags will take an edge defender in the first-round pick. However, it wouldn't be shocking when you take into account that the Jags need to fill the void left by defensive end Arden Key, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Similarly, Dawuane Smoot hit the open market but remains unsigned after tearing his Achilles last year. Whether he returns or not, the Jags need to infuse their front seven with talent and one player to keep an eye on in Clemon defensive end Myles Murphy, who recently met with the Jaguars' brass.

A five-star recruit out of high school, Murph has gotten a first-round grade from several analysts and should still be available when the Jaguars are on the clock at No. 24. Here are three reasons he should be their pick.

3. Myles Murphy is the kind of prospect the Jacksonville Jaguars need

At 6'5" and 275, Murphy has the kind of tools Jaguars general Trent Baalke looks for in a defensive lineman. In fact, his measurements compare favorably to those of Travon Walker, the top pick in last year's draft.

Murphy can beat offensive linemen with his bull rush but can also use his pass-rush moves to shed blocks. Moreover, he's got the speed and bend to get around the edge.

On the other hand, Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network points out that Murphy needs to do a better job processing and finishing plays. Nevertheless, Crabbs thinks that the 2022 First-Team All-ACC can develop into an impact starter, and at No. 24, he would be a solid pickup for the Jaguars.

2. Myles Murphy would be a fit on the Jacksonville Jaguars defense

Myles Murphy often played in a three-point stance at Clemson and that will probably be how he'll be used in the NFL. Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report scouting department says that Murphy is better suited to play a traditional defensive-end role and might not be a great fit on a team that asks him to play in a two-point stance.

In Jacksonville, Murphy would play with his hand on the ground but could also rush the passer from a standup position from time to time. Also, he wouldn't need to be pressed into action. The Jaguars already have a couple of starting defensive ends in Adam Gotsis and Roy Robertson-Harris, so the coaching staff could ease Murphy into the lineup and give him more playing time as he gets better.

On the other hand, Murphy could also line up at outside linebacker every now and then. Although the former Clemson Tiger might be at his best when he plays in a three-point stance he could join a pass-rush rotation that includes Travon Walker and Josh Allen.

While this idea might seem odd at first, Travon Walker rarely played in a two-point stance at Georgia but he made the transition to outside linebacker last year. The coaching staff could give also try Murphy out at outside linebacker and see how he fares. The point is to get him on the field and find out where he can have the most impact on a defense that ranked 26th in sacks last year.

1. The Jacksonville Jaguars can address other needs in later rounds

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to round out their cornerback group and bolster their tight end unit. Similarly, it wouldn't hurt to add an offensive tackle even though they just inked Cam Fleming. However, the team's brass doesn't have to do any of that in the first round and can instead take care of those roster holes in later rounds.

At No. 24, Jacksonville would be in a position to take one of the top cornerback prospects in the class. Moreover, Michael Mayer and Luke Musgrave, two of the highest-graded tight ends in this year's class will most likely be available when the Jags are on the clock.

Nevertheless, the front office could wait until the second round and still come out with a pretty good corner. The same is true for the tight end position. For the sake of argument, let's say the Jaguars wait until the third round to draft one, Tucker Kraft and Sam LaPorta should still be on the board.

Having said that, you shouldn't buy your Jaguars Myles Murphy jersey just yet. Precisely because of his talent, another team might jump in front of them and take him. Similarly, there could be a prospect with a higher grade than Murphy on the Jags' draft board and they could choose to go with him instead.

Either way, Murphy would bring tremendous value at No. 24 and the potential to become a mainstay of the Jaguars' defense for years to come.