Big Red
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- Mar 16, 2019
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Byron Murphy sported his new No. 33 jersey at the first day of rookie minicamp on Friday – a number chosen as a reminder of where he was taken in the draft.
The Cardinals' rookie cornerback was disappointed he didn’t go in the first round, and coach Kliff Kingsbury was downright stunned.
Kingsbury felt like there was “no chance” Murphy would be available when the Cardinals were on the clock for their second choice. In Cardinals Flight Plan, General Manager Steve Keim revealed that Murphy was the fifth-highest rated player on the team’s draft board.
“I had some offensive players that I was eyeing with that pick at 33,” Kingsbury said. “When he was sitting there, we were all thrilled to death.”
The initial disappointment has clearly worn off for Murphy, who talked excitedly about hitting the field for the first time as an NFL player.
“In the locker room, right when I put (the jersey) on, I just looked down like, ‘This is crazy,’” Murphy said. “I’m blessed, and I’m ready to keep it going.”
Murphy said he played both outside and slot cornerback during the first practice, and his versatility should be a plus as a rookie. The Arizona native also has another duty on his plate right now: tour guide to his fellow newcomers.
“Everyone’s like, ‘I’ve got to get a haircut,’” said Murphy, who went to Tempe Marcos de Niza and Scottsdale Saguaro high schools. “I’m like, ‘I got you.’”
Murphy gave a positive review of his first day on the field, noting that “I made a couple plays, but I’ve got to make more.”
It’s something the Cardinals expect out of him after such a favorable evaluation, and Murphy is ready to prove them correct.
“I’ve got to come out here and back it up,” Murphy said. “If they believe in me, I’ve got to believe in myself and show them what I can do.”
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