NFL Draft bets: Growing buzz on Byron Murphy II going earlier than expected

We are just two days out from the NFL Draft, and a name to keep an eye on is Texas interior defensive lineman Byron Murphy II. Murphy is the clear top DT in this year's draft class, possessing elite pass-rushing speed and a deep repertoire of moves to get past offensive linemen and into the backfield.

As such, his name has started circulating as a surprise name you might hear earlier than you'd expect. If you have clicked into any mock drafts over the past few weeks, you've more often than not seen EDGE Dallas Turner going eighth to Atlanta and WR Rome Odunze going ninth to Chicago.

Reports are coming out that Murphy may actually be the first defensive player taken, whether that be the Falcons or Bears or another team stepping in.

Adam Schefter mentioned that he has heard front office execs say that either Atlanta or Chicago could be in play for Murphy, and Todd McShay remarked the same on a "Pardon My Take" appearance earlier this week.

Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah also went on record that the drop-off at defensive tackle is wide after Murphy, and that more and more teams are putting an emphasis on finding a stud to plug inside their interior defensive line.

That is a whole lot of NFL draft experts discussing Byron Murphy II as an option toward the top of the draft, and Murphy himself expects to go in the top-half of the draft.

Two bets we'll make based on these rumors

Where there's smoke, there's fire, and we're biting on these rumors and reports surrounding Murphy on Thursday night.

Betting: Byron Murphy II under 14.5 draft position (-150 DraftKings)
Betting: Murphy first defensive lineman taken (+280 DK)