Byron Murphy Jr. Gets a Sliver of National Love

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. will embark on Year No. 3 in the Twin Cities in 2026, and according to ESPN, he’s one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks, believe it or not. Jeremy Fowler from that website surveyed coaches, executives, and scouts in his annual rankings series, and Murphy Jr. was considered an “honorable mention” among the league’s top corners.

Murphy Jr. isn’t typically included in such lists, so this one is noteworthy.

A Little Praise for Brian Flores’s Trusted CB1

Byron Murphy Jr. looks on after a Vikings game against the Lions. — Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. looked on after a Christmas Day matchup with the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium, closing another physical NFC North chapter. On December 25, 2025, in Minneapolis, Murphy stood near the field after the game as Minnesota’s secondary wrapped up a difficult divisional night at home against Detroit. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Murphy Jr. an Honorable Mention in NFL’s Best CBs

Fowler described his CB pecking order process: “The pantheon of elite cornerbacks has a high barrier to entry. Nine players from last year’s list made this year’s top 10, and the one debut needed a first-team All-Pro season to grab the last spot. That’s serious competition, and the game’s best all jockeyed for position.”

“Seven cornerbacks appeared on at least 85% of ballots. While the top two carried over from 2025, spot Nos. 3-10 were all reconfigured. A pair from the first round of the 2023 draft made a major move, and the No. 1 player appears to be on a path to Canton.”

Fowler then revealed additional votes for Honorable Mention: “Also receiving votes: DJ Turner II, Marlon Humphrey, Alontae Taylor, DaRon Bland, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Travis Hunter, Tyson Campbell, Byron Murphy Jr., Deommodore Lenoir, Riq Woolen.”

The same series also published the NFL’s top running backs this week, and no Vikings whatsoever were mentioned.

The Production in 2025

Murphy Jr. has quietly built a remarkably solid NFL career.

Over seven seasons, he’s played 104 games, starting 96 of them. His career totals include 438 tackles, 16 interceptions, and 68 passes defended. This is notable production for a cornerback who has adapted to various teams and schemes while remaining highly effective.

His standout year was undoubtedly the 2024 season. Murphy started all 17 games for the Vikings, recording six interceptions — including a pick-six — and earning a Pro Bowl selection. Opposing quarterbacks targeted him 110 times, completing 70% of those passes, but Murphy limited the impact, holding them to a 79.3 passer rating. Pro Football Focus acknowledged his strong performance with an overall grade of 73.4 and a 73.5 in coverage.

The 2025 season presented a more mixed outcome. Murphy again started every game, finishing with 71 tackles, two interceptions, and seven passes defended. His coverage statistics showed some improvement, as he allowed only 45 catches on 76 targets for 448 yards. However, PFF’s overall grade dropped to 58.5, indicating a more unstable performance throughout the year.

Rome Odunze catches a pass against the Vikings at Soldier Field. — Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze hauled in a reception during first-half action against the Minnesota Vikings, adding an early highlight at Soldier Field. On September 8, 2025, in Chicago, Odunze made the athletic grab as the Bears offense looked to build rhythm in an NFC North matchup with momentum still up for grabs. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.

Despite some fluctuations, Murphy remains a reliable starting cornerback in Brian Flores’ demanding defense, where corners bear substantial responsibility.

Another Year Lined Up as Vikings’ Main CB

Murphy Jr. enters Year No. 3 as Minnesota’s primary cornerback, and truth be told, the team defense has flourished along the way. Over the last two seasons, the Vikings rank No. 1 in the NFL per EPA/Play, and that’s precisely when Murphy Jr. came aboard, at the start of 2024.

Flores, the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, has proven that he doesn’t need utterly elite cornerback performance to cook, evidenced by men like Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, and Fabian Moreau on the roster.

While Minnesota will eventually use a high-round draft pick on a cornerback of the future, the group, headlined by Murphy Jr., certainly isn’t hurting anything. It’s tough to decry the cornerbacks from the NFL’s best defense since 2024.

Pat Surtain Is the Top Dog

Surtain II in Denver took home the top prize, and Fowler wrote, “Surtain held a convincing grip on the process, eliciting more than 75% of the first-place votes. Surtain is the prototype, with the ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 202 pounds), lateral agility, downfield speed and instincts.”

“The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year missed three games due to a shoulder injury in 2025 but still deflected 12 passes. From the nit-pick file: A few coaches and scouts thought he got handsy in 2025 (finished the season with 10 penalties) and didn’t always show an extra gear to close gaps for interceptions.”

Few onlookers will disagree with the ranking.

Pat Surtain II warms up before a Broncos-Chiefs game. Byron Murphy Jr. — Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II warmed up at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium before a road matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. On January 1, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri, Surtain went through pregame work as Denver prepared for another AFC West test in one of the league’s loudest venues. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports.

“But when lined up against the game’s best — Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase in Week 4 — Surtain allowed one reception for 8 yards across 13 coverage matchups. And his 12 interceptions over five seasons are a reminder that ball production is not a problem,” Fowler added.

“Surtain is one of seven NFL cornerbacks to win Defensive Player of the Year. Four are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

The Vikings will see Surtain II when the Broncos roll into U.S. Bank Stadium in 2027.