Longhorns Star Byron Murphy II Continues to Go Early in NFL Mock Drafts
The Texas Longhorns were lucky enough to have arguably the two best defensive tackles in college football last season, with Byron Murphy II and T'Vondre Sweat wreaking havoc vs. opposing offensive lines.
As a result, both players have been projected to be first-round picks at one point or another, with Murphy going as high as No. 5 in some Mock Drafts.
And while No. 5 might be a reach, there is one thing that is clear - Murphy will be a highly coveted prospect.
That proved to be the case once again in NFL.com's latest mock draft, with analyst Eric Edholm projecting Murphy to go in the top half of the first round.
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This time, at No. 12 to the Denver Broncos.
"I know many will pine for a quarterback, but I think the Broncos will be hard-pressed to land a worthy talent at the position in this lofty draft slot," Edholm said. "Instead, they could pivot to upgrading the interior D-line with an explosive penetrator such as Murphy, even if this feels a tad high for him."
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 go in the top 15 of the first round would be a sight for sore Texas eyes. But regardless of when he's off the board, Murphy will look to have an immediate impact as a rookie.
