The Seattle Seahawks could have gone a number of directions with their first round selection, but defensive tackle was not expected. However, it seems that John Schneider just went with the best player available still on the board by selecting Byron Murphy, DL from Texas.
Murphy was projected by both large sample mock draft data and the betting markets to go earlier than pick 16 overall. In fact, just two days ago his betting market odds leaped up inside the top ten picks for a brief moment. It seems the Seahawks may have themselves a steal in Byron Murphy. But who is he? And how will he fit with the Seattle Seahawks?
Byron Murphy, DL Texas
Byron Murphy was the most effective pass rushing interior defensive lineman in the entire 2024 NFL Draft class. His pass rush pressure rate of nearly 17% absolutely crushed the competition in this class. In fact, that 17% mark would make him a top five edge rusher in the class too!
At 6'1", 297 pounds he's a bit undersized for an interior defensive lineman, but that doesn't matter with him. He plays with great leverage, speed, and technique to dominate in all phases of the game. Plus, he posted an 82nd percentile Athletic Composite Score at the NFL Combine just two months ago. He's a special player that should dominate the NFL.
Byron Murphy's fit with the Seahawks
The Seahawks already have some difference makers along their defensive front, but Murphy's versatility will allow the team to plug him into a number of spots on the line. His most likely immediate role will be playing anywhere from zero to 3 tech, creating mismatches with his speed and flexibility against interior offensive linemen.
He and Jarran Reed can absolutely light up the A and B gaps stopping the run while also creating immense pressure on passing downs. If Murphy isn't a near every down player right away he should be the primary passing downs interior specialist.
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And if you want to watch some Byron Murphy highlights to get pumped for his NFL future with the Seattle Seahawks just check out the video below!
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