Myles Murphy Is The Big Sleeper Bears Fans Should Not Ignore

Discussions for the 2023 draft have already begun. The Chicago Bears sit at 3-10. If they lose their remaining four games of the regular season, it guarantees them at least the 3rd overall pick next April. If the Denver Broncos win one more game over the remaining four weeks, that will result in the #2 pick. Fans already have a clear idea of who GM Ryan Poles will likely select at those spots. Either it will be Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson or Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Both are viewed as the top non-quarterback prospects in the class. However, one name could be a significant sleeper once the Bears are on the board. That is Myles Murphy.

The Clemson defensive end hasn't gotten the same national spotlight as Anderson, but he's established himself as one of the top prospects in the class. His 14.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for a loss in his past 23 games show his productivity. So the obvious question is why he might beat out Anderson or Carter if the Bears had the choice. One word: size. It's been established for years that Eberflus covets defensive linemen that bring size and length to the table. Anderson is 6'3 and 245 lbs. Carter is 6'3 and 300 lbs. Murphy? He is 6'5 and 275 lbs. Those are the prototypical dimensions of a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL.

Myles Murphy should also ace his athletic tests.

Most draft experts believe the Clemson star will earn glowing marks during the scouting combine and pro day drills. Early projections have him running a sub-4.6 in the 40-yard dash, which is zooming for somebody that big. The scariest part might be the fact Murphy is 20 years old. He isn't even old enough to drink yet. One can only imagine how much better he can get as he continues to mature, both mentally and physically. Poles and Eberflus might see him as the option with the highest ceiling compared to Anderson and Carter.

It wouldn't be the first time a team has pulled such a surprise, taking a less-heralded prospect in the top three compared to others favored in the media. Many people didn't see Joey Bosa coming at #3 in 2016. It's safe to say, 59.5 sacks later, that the Chargers don't regret that pick. The Chicago Bears won't know what they're going to do until April arrives. There is still so much work ahead with the East-West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl, scouting combine, and pro days. This doesn't even account for the possibility they might pick lower than expected if they win a few games down the stretch.

Anderson and Carter may get the headlines, but don't ignore Myles Murphy. Everything about him fits what this new regime covets.