Byron Murphy Soldifies First-Round Status At Texas Pro Day
Byron Murphy was always going to land in the first round of next month's NFL draft. Now, the question turns to how high could the former Texas Longhorns star go.
Murphy performed one final time in front of scouts Wednesday at the Texas Pro Day in Austin, bettering his numbers and measurables after what was considered a promising showcase in Indianapolis. Murphy, one of two standouts on the Longhorns' defensive line, is projected to be the first defensive tackle selected on April 25.
Murphy ran the three-cone drill in 7.5 seconds before working defensive tackle drills. He looked fluid working between individual drills and seemed poised with a low center of gravity.
Where will Murphy land? Right now, he's projected to hear his name called somewhere in the top 20, with the Los Angeles Rams being his floor after the surprising retirement of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.
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
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, Bengals coach Zac Taylor, and Colts coach Shane Steichen were in attendance for the event, along with Texans general manager Nick Caserio and defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
Indianapolis likely pivots elsewhere given its status at defensive tackle. Cincinnati, which picks 18th, might be in the market for a new three-tech following D.J. Reader's departure to Detriot. The Dolphins also could be a prime location after former first-rounder Chrisitan Wilkins elected to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason.
Last month in Indianapolis at the scouting combine, Murphy dazzled as the top defensive line prospect. He posted a 4.87 40-time, the third-fastest time among defensive linemen, along with a 33-inch vertical. Murphy also showed off his upper-body strength with 28 reps on the bench press.
While Murphy might not land with the Colts, fellow Longhorn Adonai Mitchell might. The Georgia transfer has been one of the biggest risers throughout the draft process and is expected to land somewhere on Day 1, especially following his performance at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The consensus on Mitchell is that his big frame and catch radius provide a potential 'No. 1 mentality' at the next level. He's not expected to compete alongside the big three for a spot in the top 10 picks, but franchises like the Colts, Jaguars, Bengals, and Steelers are expected to have interest.
Xavier Worthy, who broke John Ross' 40-time with a 4.21-second dash earlier this month in Indianapolis, also should be off the board before Thursday night's conclusion. He looked fluid running drills and seemed in sync while tracking overthrown passes for substantial games.
Worthy, who won Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after breaking Roy Williams' freshman touchdown record in 2021, isn't expected to land inside the top-15 picks, but likely near the end of Round 1. Teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas Chiefs should be in play for a vertical threat who rarely drops balls.
According to Sportskeeda, Worthy met with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday evening after having conversations with the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and New England Patriots earlier in the week. On Wednesday, the junior receiver met with the Colts and Steelers and is expected to visit Indianapolis on a top-30 visit in the coming weeks.
Other players who worked out at Texas' Pro Day include defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, linebacker Jaylan Ford, receiver Jordan Whittington, running back/returner Keilan Robinson, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, linebacker Jett Bush, punter Ryan Sanborn and defensive back Ryan Watts.
