![[Image: USATSI_19376043.jpg]](https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2022/12/USATSI_19376043.jpg)
Nov
6, 2022; Seattle Seahawks Running wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) runs
around Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy (07) in the first half
in Glendale, Arizona, USA; at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit:
David Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Murphy was a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona
Cardinals. In his time with the Cardinals, Murphy started in 48 games,
including 16 in his rookie season.
He started in nine games last season after a back injury landed him
on season-ending injured reserve in December. Despite this minor hiccup,
Murphy has remained healthy for most of his career and hasn’t missed
significant time.
Murphy is a versatile cornerback who can play both in the slot and on
the boundary for the Vikings. However, his best fit is likely on the
boundary given his lack of size and length at the cornerback position.
In terms of scheme fit, there may be no better fit for Brian Flores.
Murphy has been tasked with a lot of tough situations, including being
asked to shadow both Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams in coverage. He
passed every challenge with flying covers, holding both Adams and Kupp
to quiet nights.
His ability to stick with wide receivers in man coverage makes him a
particularly good fit for Flores, who asks his cornerbacks to remain on
islands. He is almost never beaten in man coverage and reacts well to
the ball to create deflections or interceptions. Cornerbacks who fit
this mold normally do well in defenses led by Flores and can have
successful seasons if everything breaks their way.
An interesting ripple to watch with Murphy is his ability to rush the
passer. Flores likes to use his defensive backs as extra pass rushers,
and his newest corner has plenty of experience getting after the
quarterback after his time spent with Vance Joseph in Arizona. If Murphy
blitzes with regularity, it could be an indication that he will fit
better in a slot role, which would hardly be an issue for the Vikings.