Byron Murphy didn't expect to start as a rookie when the Arizona Cardinals made him the 33rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. But with superstar cornerback Patrick Peterson suspended for the first six games of the season, the University of Washington product suddenly finds himself locked in a battle with veteran Tremaine Brock, Sr. to start opposite free-agent addition Robert Alford.

And if Peterson's assessment of Murphy's play during minicamp is any indication, the rookie might have a leg up on the competition.

“Byron is great,” Peterson said, per Bob McManaman of Arizona Republic. “I’ve been watching my iPad for the first three or four weeks and he’s a very competitive guy. He has a high football IQ and loves the game, which is huge. Especially being a defensive back. He has that quiet confidence, but you can tell that he’s been getting in the play book early on.

“I mean, the sky is the limit,” he continued.

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GM Les Snead in the middle, Byron Murphy, Marshawn Kneeland, Max Melton around him, and Los Angeles Rams in the background.

Enzo Flojo ·

Also increasing the chances of Murphy starting in Week 1? The Cardinals' release earlier this week of veteran David Amerson, who signed with the team midway through last season after he was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, and went on to start five games to finish out 2018.

Murphy, a three-year starter at Washington, was the second cornerback taken in this year's draft. He was arguably the best cover man in college football last season, just his second as a starter, finishing with 58 tackles, four interceptions, and 13 passes defensed en route to First Team All-Pac 12 honors.