Cardinals take Washington defensive back Byron Murphy
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals have addressed a big need to open the second round of the NFL draft, selecting Washington cornerback Byron Murphy with the 33rd overall pick.
Murphy, who played at nearby Scottsdale Saguaro High School, was projected as a first-round pick but dropped to the second round and the Cardinals quickly grabbed him Friday.
Arizona has been searching for a cornerback to play opposite All-Pro Patrick Peterson, almost since the day they drafted him eight years ago. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Murphy could compete with recently signed Robert Alford.
The Cardinals went the best-available route with their first pick, taking Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick a year after moving up in the draft to select Josh Rosen at No. 10.
