One 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate from each division

By Dave Adams | Jul 15, 2023

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 03: Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah #91 of the Kansas State Wildcats reacts after making a sack against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half of the Big 12 Championship game at AT&T Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /

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NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Myles Murphy, DE, Cincinnati Bengals (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

AFC North: Myles Murphy, DE, Cincinnati Bengals – Round 1, Pick 29

The Cincinnati Bengals add the 6’5″, 268-pound Myles Murphy and his 4.53 (40-yard dash) speed to a defense that led the NFL with a 58.9 percent opposing completion percentage in 2022. Creative defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo can plug the rookie in immediately as a pass rush specialist rather than an every-down starter.

The Bengals front seven has a solid core of players but ranks near the bottom of the NFL in sack production with 30; only the Raiders, Falcons, and Bears took down the quarterback fewer times last year.

Considering opposing teams will find themselves in regular shootouts against Joe Cool (Burrow) and his high-flying Bengals offense, Murphy has a solid opportunity to put up substantial pass-rush numbers in 2023 while staying fresh as a pass-rush specialist.

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