Texas is losing a great one following the 2023 season. Longhorns defensive tackle Byron Murphy is heading to the NFL draft.
The move is the right decision for a number of reasons. Most notably, the productive player is given a first-round draft ceiling by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. We don’t take that lightly given Kiper’s years of experience in projecting NFL players.
Murphy is a man among boys which usually signals a player has outgrown the college level. It was true when Vince Young manned the quarterback position for Texas and it’s true of Murphy at defensive tackle. It’s time.
The former Desoto (TX) player has the ability to make an immediate impact. Some view him more highly than fellow defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat because of his lean, muscular build. We think highly of both players as impact players at the next level.
The loss of Murphy leaves a huge void for Texas, and while we believe the Longhorns can find strong alternatives it’s not a given they will be as productive. Murphy led college defensive tackles in quarterback pressures per snap according to Pete Thamel.
The skilled defensive lineman leaves a strong legacy at Texas in helping the team return to prominence and make its first College Football Playoff. He will look to make a similar impact at the professional level for the NFL team that drafts him.
Texas star defensive lineman Byron Murphy II tells ESPN that he’s leaving school for the NFL Draft. Murphy earned first-team All-Big 12 honors this year and led the country in quarterback pressures per snap by an interior lineman. pic.twitter.com/6ebGM5DSho
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 4, 2024