The addition of cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting is one of the Tennessee Titans’ more underrated signings of the offseason.
The veteran defensive back is an experienced and productive player who is coming off a strong 2022 campaign as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Central Michigan product finished last year with a coverage grade of 80.9 and an overall grade of 76.6. He also allowed a completion rate of 51.2 percent and a QB rating of 59.6 when targeted, both career-bests.
Murphy-Bunting’s best outing of the year came against the Kansas City Chiefs’ high-powered offense, finishing with an overall grade of 92.6 and a coverage grade of 95.0.
SMB’s versatility to play inside and outside is something that undoubtedly intrigued a Mike Vrabel-led team that often prioritizes players who can contribute in a variety of different ways.
However, with Roger McCreary projected to be the team’s premier nickel back, Murphy-Bunting will mostly focus on defending the wide receivers along the boundary going forward.
The fifth-year veteran recently discussed his versatility, but noted he’s more comfortable on the outside than in the slot.
“I would say I’m comfortable really anywhere, but as far as playing on the outside, I played there in college,” he said. “I am more familiar with I guess the techniques, the types of releases, and the types of stems you get. It’s easier for me to be able to read a receiver there.
“And the nickel is a hard job for anyone really, it’s a little more detailed than being on the outside. But I would say I could do both, but I prefer the outside.”
Good answer from Sean Murphy-Bunting on whether or not he's comfortable playing outside as opposed to nickel. pic.twitter.com/mlx5a4a48L
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 4, 2023
Murphy-Bunting was also asked if he was willing to play inside should Tennessee ever need him to, and he emphatically stated he would do whatever it takes to help the team.
Regardless of which position the former second-round pick plays this season, he’s undoubtedly capable of doing both at a relatively high level after seeing 117 snaps while lining up at the nickel and 278 snaps outside in 2022.
When you add his talents to a secondary that also includes McCreary, Kristian Fulton, Kevin Byard, and Amani Hooker, it’s easy to see why there is some optimism surrounding the Titans’ secondary going into 2023.
