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One of the most intriguing 2023 undrafted free agent signings for the Tennessee Titans this offseason is edge rusher Caleb Murphy.
The reason behind that comes from the fact that Murphy posted an NCAA record 25.5 sacks in his senior season, although he did so at a Division II school in Ferris State.
The jump from college to the pros is a big one in and of itself for rookies, but that’s especially true for a Division II player like Murphy, who didn’t face the very best competition college football has to offer.
Murphy spoke about making the jump on Tuesday after mandatory minicamp practice.
“I just think the gameplay is a little faster, you just have to get used to that and get more comfortable with it, and I think that’s just a day-by-day thing that happens,” Murphy said, per ESPN’s Turron Davenport.
“Other than that, you’re playing guys that you played in Division II, Division III, no matter what, Division I, you’re playing football, so it’s the same thing there.”
When asked if he feels like he belongs, Murphy said the simple fact that he has gotten an NFL opportunity in the first place is evidence that he indeed does.
“I mean, I got the opportunity, I worked for it,” he said. “So, when I got that opportunity, I knew I was supposed to be here.”
#Titans UDFA Caleb Murphy coming from D2 Ferris St has a bug jump to the NFL. Here’s how it’s gone so far. pic.twitter.com/tFPrhneMV6
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 6, 2023
During the Titans’ first mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday, Davenport listed Murphy among the standouts on defense, noting that the Ferris State product had some good rushes during team period.
#Titans minicamp notes:
-Ryan Tannehill to Chig Okonkwo on long TD during team prd. Amani Hooker had deep coverage.
-Arden Key and Denico Autry are going to be a mean duo coming off the edge.
-Caleb Murphy and TK McLendon Jr. had good rushes during team. TK’s sack ended team prd.— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 6, 2023
The Titans have three roster locks at outside linebacker in Harold Landry, Arden Key and Rashad Weaver, leaving at least one spot up for grabs on Tennessee’s depth chart.
Based on who he’s competing against for that spot, Murphy has a good shot to stick when the Titans finalize their 53-man roster in August.