Popular Bengals NFL Draft target on track of becoming 'surprise top 10 pick' according to expert

On top of Murphy sporting one of the cleanest profiles of all potential first round picks this year, two other aspects are working in Murphy's favor. 

For starters, the defensive tackle position is relatively scarce in this year's draft. Murphy may be the only one to be drafted in the first 32 picks. Johnny Newton is rated second to Murphy according to the consensus, though he's expected to go off the board late in the first round or even in the second round. 

Murphy is not only viewed as a rare talent, but the position he plays has seen a rise in value. Defensive tackle has become one of the highest-paid positions in the entire league, as evidenced by how free agency unfolded last month with elite stars such as Chris Jones, Christian Wilkins, and Justin Madubuike all agreed to deals worth more than $25 million per year.

The very best interior pass rushers are making as much as the best wide receivers, and they've only been found as early as possible in the draft. That makes Murphy even more of a valuable commodity.

Murphy's expected draft position sits at 17.9 according to Grinding The Mocks, and there's less than a 50% chance he lasts past the 16th pick according to ESPN's Draft Day Predictor tool. His draft position over/under is also at 16.5, per DraftKings.

It's more likely than not that Murphy will be off the board before the Bengals are up to pick, and don't be surprised if he's drafted several picks prior to 18.