Coming out of high school in DeSoto TX, Byron Murphy was a four-star recruit and the No. 39 defensive lineman in the country, per 247Sports. He held offers from various Power Five programs including Baylor, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa State, Mississippi State, TCU, Texas Tech, and Utah before committing to Texas.
In 2023, Murphy was named the Big 12 defensive lineman of the year. Additionally, he was a first-team All-Big-12 selection. Murphy started 16 of his 39 games played for the Longhorns.
According to PFF, Murphy generated 45 pressures and six sacks across 273 pass-rush snaps in 2023. Among 219 FBS defensive tackles to play at least 400 snaps in 2023, Murphy had the second-best overall PFF grade, the 20th-best run defense grade, and the best pass-rushing grade.
Texas DT Byron Murphy II is a guy I am going to be paying a lot of attention to at the #SeniorBowl.
— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) January 6, 2024
✅ Explosive athlete with violent nature
✅ Multiple pass rush moves already developed
❌ Lacks anchor to consistently take on double teams#BuildingTheBoard pic.twitter.com/MvtCV4fEFH
Murphy has a top-50 grade from me. He has a lot to gain or lose from the NFL Combine, though. If he comes in over 300 pounds with a strong showing in explosiveness testing, I could see him sneaking into the first round. But if he weighs below 300 pounds or struggles in explosiveness testing, I could see him fall.
On tape, Murphy brings violence, energy, and burst to the table. He shows impressive pass-rush acumen and a knack for making plays. His ceiling would be as an impact pass-rushing three-technique, with his floor being a situational pass rusher who comes off the field on running downs. I think he has the strength to be a three-down player, but his anchor will be tested often at the next level.
Murphy would be an excellent fit for the Chicago Bears under Matt Eberflus' scheme. He fits the pass-rushing mold the Bears desire at the three-technique position. Murphy could replace Justin Jones on the Bears' defensive line, but I have a hard time seeing Ryan Poles invest more Day 2 capital on the defensive front after selecting Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens last year.
Pro Comp: Kobie Turner
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