Byron Murphy II hasn't received a lot of hype in the early Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, and the Seattle Seahawks' first-round pick has taken notice.
Murphy, despite being the second defensive player taken in the draft, is only the sixth favorite for that award. As if that wasn't enough, he was left off a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), asking fans for their Defensive Rookie of the Year predictions.
And Murphy was quick to make it clear he will be using his omission as fuel.
Murphy replied: "Still want to disrespect me."
Murphy not being mentioned as one of the top contenders for the award may be linked to his sack totals in college for Texas. He had only three sacks across his first two seasons before posting five in 2023.
But Murphy led all FBS interior defensive linemen in the 2024 draft in pass rush win rate (19.6%) and pass rush productivity (9.6). He was second in total pressures (45) behind only Brandon Dorlus (46).
And, joining a Seahawks defense that is not short of talented pass rushers, Murphy believes he is in an excellent spot to deliver the kind of production that could put him in the Defensive Rookie of the Year race.
"I feel like the scheme, the defense we run, the position I am in will create a lot of one-on-ones for me," Murphy said during the Seahawks' rookie minicamp.
"With one-on-ones, I feel like I can get a lot of sacks and have successful seasons and a successful career."
If Murphy's words prove prescient, he could make those who don't view him as a serious competitor for Defensive Rookie of the Year look very foolish.
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