Byron Murphy II – Defensive tackle – 21 years old – Junior – Texas
Height: 1m85
Weight: 139 kilos
Estimated draft position: 15-25
NFL Comparison: Grady Jarrett (Falcons)
Started by the extra-terrestrial Aaron Donald, the NFL has seen the arrival of interior defensive linemen in recent years, making up for their lack of size with a lot of explosiveness. Byron Murphy is in this straight line after Grady Jarrett (Falcons), Ed Oliver (Bills) or Calijah Kancey (Bucs).
Highlights of Byron Murphy
– Fast
– Aggressive
– Athletic
Steve Sarkisian knows this player well having coached him at the University of Texas. He explains to the Houston Chronicle what he brings to the field.
“Byron Murphy is a problem for opponents. It is both so powerful and so lively! In addition, he has this starving character, always attacking the opposing pockets. »
In 2023, he is the university player in his position having produced the best success percentage rate when he is in a situation. pass rush.
Confirmed during the NFL Combine, his athletic qualities allow a comfortable projection towards the NFL. Quick on his feet and powerful, Byron Murphy can beat interior offensive linemen in many ways.
Weaknesses of Byron Murphy
– Lack of size
More imposing than ordinary mortals, Byron Murphy is not a defensive tackle in the mold of the “Trolls” such as Dexter Lawrence (Giants), Vita Vea (Bucs) or Quinnen Williams (Jets). If certain players have proven in the NFL that the “size” criterion is not prohibitive to success, the offensive line players there are imposing and experienced.
With the University of Texas, Byron Murphy was in an ideal situation: playing alongside the enormous T'Vondre Sweat. In the NFL, his future staff would be smart by associating him with a more imposing player: this allows him to attack a space (Gap) by escaping the holds in pairs.
34DE or 43DT, Byron Murphy will mainly play 3 to 5-Technique. His ability to disrupt the opposing pocket is a quality highly sought after by NFL coaches.
Possible destinations
Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions.
The Jaguars have other priorities (cornerback and receiver) but if they are filled outside the Dline with Josh Allen and Travon Walker, their defense is sorely lacking a player like Byron Murphy on the interior. Identical observation for the Cincinnati Bengals: they also have other needs but this one is nevertheless real.
After losing Christian Wilkins, the Dolphins find themselves without an impact player on the front line. What’s better for fans than adding a state star? In the middle of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, Byron Murphy would make this Dline monstrous!
The Lions are almost there! But disappointing since his draft (pick 41 in 2021), Levi Onwuzurike does not seem able to bring the pressure from the inside that this defense needs. If still available at 29, Byron Murphy would be a valuable reinforcement (and is even worth sacrificing a pick or two to move up in the draft).
