Creating a thread to track mock drafts as they come out over the next few months and where they believe UW players are likely to go.
First up, Dane Brugler of the Athletic:
17. Cleveland Browns: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Opposite Denzel Ward, the Browns received sporadic, yet admirable play from corners like T.J. Carrie and Terrance Mitchell, but there is room for upgrades on the Browns cornerback depth chart. Like Ward, Murphy doesn’t look like much physically, but his ball instincts, toughness and smooth athleticism are why he projects as an impact starting corner in the NFL.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
Injuries decimated the Chiefs’ depth at safety this season, creating plenty of unknown, including with Eric Berry. Rapp is a safety option who will be easy for coaches to like with his high football IQ and relentless competitive nature. He isn’t an elite size (6-0, 200) or speed prospect, but he makes up for that with his instincts and range to play free or strong safety.
Updated Mock from Brugler:
6. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington (5-10, 185, 4.48) Up 11 spots
Murphy won’t wow with his size, strength or speed, but playing cornerback comes very natural to him with his balanced transition and terrific instincts. He is also much tougher than he looks and will actively get involved defending the run.
33. Taylor Rapp, FS, Washington (6-0, 215, 4.57) Down 2 spots
A physical, well-rounded safety, Rapp is considered one of the most intelligent players on the team, which is evident on tape with his heady, controlled play. Although he won’t wow with his size or speed, his toughness and football IQ will earn him an NFL starting job.
Creating a thread to track mock drafts as they come out over the next few months and where they believe UW players are likely to go.
First up, Dane Brugler of the Athletic:
17. Cleveland Browns: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Opposite Denzel Ward, the Browns received sporadic, yet admirable play from corners like T.J. Carrie and Terrance Mitchell, but there is room for upgrades on the Browns cornerback depth chart. Like Ward, Murphy doesn’t look like much physically, but his ball instincts, toughness and smooth athleticism are why he projects as an impact starting corner in the NFL.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
Injuries decimated the Chiefs’ depth at safety this season, creating plenty of unknown, including with Eric Berry. Rapp is a safety option who will be easy for coaches to like with his high football IQ and relentless competitive nature. He isn’t an elite size (6-0, 200) or speed prospect, but he makes up for that with his instincts and range to play free or strong safety.
Updated Mock from Brugler:
6. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington (5-10, 185, 4.48) Up 11 spots
Murphy won’t wow with his size, strength or speed, but playing cornerback comes very natural to him with his balanced transition and terrific instincts. He is also much tougher than he looks and will actively get involved defending the run.
33. Taylor Rapp, FS, Washington (6-0, 215, 4.57) Down 2 spots
A physical, well-rounded safety, Rapp is considered one of the most intelligent players on the team, which is evident on tape with his heady, controlled play. Although he won’t wow with his size or speed, his toughness and football IQ will earn him an NFL starting job.
The Steelers have several question marks in the secondary and could use a young upgrade at cornerback. Murphy won’t be the biggest or fastest cornerback in this class, but he might be the toughest and most instinctive.
46. Washington Redskins – Taylor Rapp, SS, Washington (Down 13 Spots)
The Redskins need to rebuild their safety depth chart and Rapp’s high football IQ and competitive nature would be a great place to start.
15. Washington Redskins | Byron Murphy | CB | Washington
The trade for Alex Smith cost Washington their top cover man in Kendall Fuller, and they desperately need to fill the void he left behind. Murphy may not have the big frame some look for in a top corner, but his combination of instincts, intelligence and ball skills more than makes up for it.
37. Los Angeles Rams (from NYG)* | Taylor Rapp | S | Washington
53. Philadelphia Eagles (from BAL) | Kaleb McGary | OT | Washington
64. New England Patriots | Ben Burr-Kirven | LB | Washington
126. Los Angeles Rams | Greg Gaines | DL | Washington
Byron Murphy , CB, Washington. This might not be a position of need per se, but the Titans need to think about life after Malcolm Butler (or life during Malcolm Butler) and adding another stud corner is not a horrible idea. Lots of different directions they could go here.
15. Washington Redskins | Byron Murphy | CB | Washington
The trade for Alex Smith cost Washington their top cover man in Kendall Fuller, and they desperately need to fill the void he left behind. Murphy may not have the big frame some look for in a top corner, but his combination of instincts, intelligence and ball skills more than makes up for it.
37. Los Angeles Rams (from NYG)* | Taylor Rapp | S | Washington
53. Philadelphia Eagles (from BAL) | Kaleb McGary | OT | Washington
64. New England Patriots | Ben Burr-Kirven | LB | Washington
126. Los Angeles Rams | Greg Gaines | DL | Washington
This seems pretty accurate. BBK might be a little high.
15. Washington Redskins | Byron Murphy | CB | Washington
The trade for Alex Smith cost Washington their top cover man in Kendall Fuller, and they desperately need to fill the void he left behind. Murphy may not have the big frame some look for in a top corner, but his combination of instincts, intelligence and ball skills more than makes up for it.
37. Los Angeles Rams (from NYG)* | Taylor Rapp | S | Washington
53. Philadelphia Eagles (from BAL) | Kaleb McGary | OT | Washington
64. New England Patriots | Ben Burr-Kirven | LB | Washington
126. Los Angeles Rams | Greg Gaines | DL | Washington
15. Washington Redskins | Byron Murphy | CB | Washington
The trade for Alex Smith cost Washington their top cover man in Kendall Fuller, and they desperately need to fill the void he left behind. Murphy may not have the big frame some look for in a top corner, but his combination of instincts, intelligence and ball skills more than makes up for it.
37. Los Angeles Rams (from NYG)* | Taylor Rapp | S | Washington
53. Philadelphia Eagles (from BAL) | Kaleb McGary | OT | Washington
64. New England Patriots | Ben Burr-Kirven | LB | Washington
126. Los Angeles Rams | Greg Gaines | DL | Washington
BBK screams of a Patriots type of player
ISAFRC besides he’s not a slot receiver or running back.
Murphy continuing to get a lot of love in these mocks. Consistently in the 1st, but the only UW player showing up in the 1st.
CBS Sports
10. BYRON MURPHY, CB, WASHINGTON (DENVER BRONCOS)
CBS Sports: "With Drew Lock off the board and Joe Flacco set to replace Case Keenum, the Broncos focus on their defense. Byron Murphy is our No. 1 cornerback and he'll join Chris Harris Jr. in the secondary next season."
247Sports: There were times at the University of Washington when Murphy appeared to be running routes instead of playing cornerback — he was that skilled at film review and knowing the opposition's tendencies. He's considered the top cornerback prospect this cycle and was a star on defense for the Huskies, a playmaker who makes things happen with the football in his hands. If the Broncos take him at No. 10 overall, they'll have a cornerstone player to pair with Von Miller on defense.
Mel Kiper
24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) Byron Murphy , CB, Washington
We know that Jon Gruden loves playmakers -- I heard him talk about them for years. And Murphy is one of the best defensive playmakers in this class, a ball hawk who had seven interceptions over two seasons at Washington. There's a gaping hole at corner across from 2017 first-rounder Gareon Conley , too. This could be a first round full of defensive additions for the Raiders, who have picks at 4, 24 and 27.
Todd McShay
29. Kansas City Chiefs Byron Murphy , CB, Washington*
The Chiefs were ever so close to going to the Super Bowl in Year 1 of Patrick Mahomes driving the offense. But if they want to make that jump in the 2019 season, they desperately need to fix the secondary. Murphy hauled in seven picks in two seasons with the Huskies and would be an instant upgrade for Kansas City. And looking ahead to Day 2, I think K.C. could go running back if the opportunity to get Bryce Love or Damien Harris presents itself.
15. Washington Redskins | Byron Murphy | CB | Washington
The trade for Alex Smith cost Washington their top cover man in Kendall Fuller, and they desperately need to fill the void he left behind. Murphy may not have the big frame some look for in a top corner, but his combination of instincts, intelligence and ball skills more than makes up for it.
37. Los Angeles Rams (from NYG)* | Taylor Rapp | S | Washington
53. Philadelphia Eagles (from BAL) | Kaleb McGary | OT | Washington
64. New England Patriots | Ben Burr-Kirven | LB | Washington
126. Los Angeles Rams | Greg Gaines | DL | Washington
BBK screams of a Patriots type of player
ISAFRC besides he’s not a slot receiver or running back.
McShay updated his after the combine, with the same two making the first:
24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago Bears) Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
After addressing the pass rush with Allen at No. 4, the Raiders could look for a ball hawk in the secondary here. Murphy's football intelligence and fast eyes would make him a good fit in Paul Guenther's defensive scheme.
26. Indianapolis Colts Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
With a pretty good group of safeties out there on the free-agent market, the Colts could opt to address it there. But with Matt Eberflus' 4-3 featuring under Cover 2 and Tampa 2 components, Indy will be looking for speed and versatility. Rapp checks those boxes.
For a linebacker officially measured at 6-0 and 230 pounds, Burr-Kirven always was going to have to make up for his undersized frame by testing well. He seemed to accomplish that, posting the fastest time of any linebacker (not including edge rushers) in the three-cone drill (6.85 seconds), the fastest time among linebackers in the 60-yard shuttle (11.43 seconds) and the third-fastest time among linebackers in the 20-yard shuttle (4.09 seconds).
His performance — which included a respectable 4.56 in the 40 — likely improved his stock.
“I think Burr-Kirven entered the week as a mid-rounder, but I think he leaves with a better chance to go higher,” Brugler said. “Several teams will have a tough time overlooking his lack of size, but Burr-Kirven is just a football player — instinctive, tough and physical, with the movement skills to hold his own in space. At worst, he will be a special-teams ace in the NFL and quality backup. I expect him to be drafted in the top-125 picks.”
Comments
Updated Mock from Brugler:
6. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington (5-10, 185, 4.48) Up 11 spots
Murphy won’t wow with his size, strength or speed, but playing cornerback comes very natural to him with his balanced transition and terrific instincts. He is also much tougher than he looks and will actively get involved defending the run.
33. Taylor Rapp, FS, Washington (6-0, 215, 4.57) Down 2 spots
A physical, well-rounded safety, Rapp is considered one of the most intelligent players on the team, which is evident on tape with his heady, controlled play. Although he won’t wow with his size or speed, his toughness and football IQ will earn him an NFL starting job.
Updated Mock from Brugler:
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Byron Murphy, CB, Washington (Down 14 Spots)
The Steelers have several question marks in the secondary and could use a young upgrade at cornerback. Murphy won’t be the biggest or fastest cornerback in this class, but he might be the toughest and most instinctive.
46. Washington Redskins – Taylor Rapp, SS, Washington (Down 13 Spots)
The Redskins need to rebuild their safety depth chart and Rapp’s high football IQ and competitive nature would be a great place to start.
15. Washington Redskins | Byron Murphy | CB | Washington
The trade for Alex Smith cost Washington their top cover man in Kendall Fuller, and they desperately need to fill the void he left behind. Murphy may not have the big frame some look for in a top corner, but his combination of instincts, intelligence and ball skills more than makes up for it.
37. Los Angeles Rams (from NYG)* | Taylor Rapp | S | Washington
53. Philadelphia Eagles (from BAL) | Kaleb McGary | OT | Washington
64. New England Patriots | Ben Burr-Kirven | LB | Washington
126. Los Angeles Rams | Greg Gaines | DL | Washington
19. Tennessee Titans
Byron Murphy , CB, Washington. This might not be a position of need per se, but the Titans need to think about life after Malcolm Butler (or life during Malcolm Butler) and adding another stud corner is not a horrible idea. Lots of different directions they could go here.
Sounds like the experts are on it.
CBS Sports
10. BYRON MURPHY, CB, WASHINGTON (DENVER BRONCOS)
CBS Sports: "With Drew Lock off the board and Joe Flacco set to replace Case Keenum, the Broncos focus on their defense. Byron Murphy is our No. 1 cornerback and he'll join Chris Harris Jr. in the secondary next season."
247Sports: There were times at the University of Washington when Murphy appeared to be running routes instead of playing cornerback — he was that skilled at film review and knowing the opposition's tendencies. He's considered the top cornerback prospect this cycle and was a star on defense for the Huskies, a playmaker who makes things happen with the football in his hands. If the Broncos take him at No. 10 overall, they'll have a cornerstone player to pair with Von Miller on defense.
Mel Kiper
24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) Byron Murphy , CB, Washington
We know that Jon Gruden loves playmakers -- I heard him talk about them for years. And Murphy is one of the best defensive playmakers in this class, a ball hawk who had seven interceptions over two seasons at Washington. There's a gaping hole at corner across from 2017 first-rounder Gareon Conley , too. This could be a first round full of defensive additions for the Raiders, who have picks at 4, 24 and 27.
Todd McShay
29. Kansas City Chiefs Byron Murphy , CB, Washington*
The Chiefs were ever so close to going to the Super Bowl in Year 1 of Patrick Mahomes driving the offense. But if they want to make that jump in the 2019 season, they desperately need to fix the secondary. Murphy hauled in seven picks in two seasons with the Huskies and would be an instant upgrade for Kansas City. And looking ahead to Day 2, I think K.C. could go running back if the opportunity to get Bryce Love or Damien Harris presents itself.
Speaking of being a piece of shit, How’s Burfict these days?
27) Oakland Raiders
Byron Murphy - CB
School: Washington | Year: Sophomore (RS)
Murphy had the best field workout of any of the corners at the combine. I love his toughness and ball skills.
29) Kansas City Chiefs
Taylor Rapp - S
School: Washington | Year: Junior
The Chiefs need to upgrade the secondary and Rapp is one of the more consistent, reliable players in the draft.
Two first round Dwags ain’t bad!!!!
24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago Bears)
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
After addressing the pass rush with Allen at No. 4, the Raiders could look for a ball hawk in the secondary here. Murphy's football intelligence and fast eyes would make him a good fit in Paul Guenther's defensive scheme.
26. Indianapolis Colts
Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
With a pretty good group of safeties out there on the free-agent market, the Colts could opt to address it there. But with Matt Eberflus' 4-3 featuring under Cover 2 and Tampa 2 components, Indy will be looking for speed and versatility. Rapp checks those boxes.
His performance — which included a respectable 4.56 in the 40 — likely improved his stock.
“I think Burr-Kirven entered the week as a mid-rounder, but I think he leaves with a better chance to go higher,” Brugler said. “Several teams will have a tough time overlooking his lack of size, but Burr-Kirven is just a football player — instinctive, tough and physical, with the movement skills to hold his own in space. At worst, he will be a special-teams ace in the NFL and quality backup. I expect him to be drafted in the top-125 picks.”