Longhorns DT Byron Murphy II Soars Into Top 5 of Latest NFL Mock Draft
AUSTIN -- The Texas Longhorns will be well-represented in the 2024 NFL Draft this April with names like Adonai Mitchell, T'Vondre Sweat, Xavier Worthy and more. One of the program's best teams in nearly 15 years understandably had tons of talent that used an added spotlight to attract more NFL eyes.
But the beauty of this year's Texas team was that there wasn't a true star that was the "face." Sure, Quinn Ewers naturally falls into that contention since he's the QB, but the Longhorns were a tight-knit group that had multiple major faces of representation.
However, CBS Sports thinks that one Longhorn stands out among the rest, reflecting this in a recent mock draft.
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates sacking Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) during the game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Ames, Iowa.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
The site predicts that Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II will take a major leap in the first round and will be selected No. 5 overall by the Los Angeles Chargers.
While Texas fans will be the first to acknowledge Murphy's talent and the impact he had during his time on the Forty Acres, expecting him to go in the top five is certainly a stretch, especially when fellow teammate and close friend Sweat has a case for being selected before him.
Here's what CBS Sports had to say about the pick:
"New GM Joe Hortiz identifies the interior of the Chargers defensive line one of the team's most glaring weaknesses, and Murphy is an uber-athletic and powerful penetrator," the site wrote.
Murphy scored two offensive touchdowns this season, adding to a career that featured 68 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks. In 2023, he helped spearhead an elite Texas rushing defense that allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (80.8).
Seeing Murphy become a top-five pick would be a sight for sore Texas eyes, but it's unlikely he makes such a drastic jump. Regardless of when he's off the board, Murphy will look to have an immediate impact as a rookie.
