2024 NFL Draft Player Profile: Byron Murphy, DT, Texas

With the expected run on offense early in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jags could have their pick of some of the top defensive stars at 17. Could Byron Murphy II be in play?

We are exactly one week away from the 2024 NFL Draft as we come to a close on our player profile series. The final player on the docket as an option for the Jacksonville Jaguars with their 17th overall pick is Texas’ do-it-all defensive tackle, Byron Murphy II.

The 2023 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, Murphy is expected to be in the running to be the first defensive tackle off the board next Thursday Night, along with Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton.

Although undersized, Murphy more than makes up for his lack of stature with elite athletic and technical traits that make his projection to the NFL as exciting as any defensive prospect in this class.

Let’s break down those attributes a little more as we take an in-depth look at what Byron Murphy II could bring to the Jacksonville Jaguars defense if chosen with the 17th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Measurables

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 297

Career Statistics

Sacks: 8

Tackles for Loss: 15

Strengths

• Explosive athlete for the position
• Huge hands considering his size and they have some serious pop
• Scheme versatile. Was lined up everywhere on the Texas front
• Blends elite first step with a violent style of play
• Anchors better than anybody in the class against the run
• Stature works to his advantage in leverage battles
• Not a one trick pony when it comes to pass rush moves
• A member of Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” ahead of 2023 season

Weaknesses

• Second percentile height for the position isn’t great
• Won’t be the strongest player on the field as a pro so shorter wingspan could lead to more trouble in the run game than he experienced in college
• Plays with such a high-motor that some technique with his hands and feet can take a back seat at times
• Can struggle to fight through double teams in the pass game. Particularly when met with physicality

Projection and Fit

Byron Murphy II has all of the tools necessary to succeed at the next level. His power, quickness, and tenacity when getting after the ball are things that should translate pretty seamlessly as he makes the transition to the pros, but it’s his versatility that really sets him apart from the rest of the defensive tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.

As far as fit with Jacksonville, Murphy could be exactly what defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is looking for to round out his rotation for the 2024 season. Right now, the interior pass rush consists of Roy Robertson-Harris, Davon Hamilton, and Arik Armstead. While all quality players in their own right, none of them offer the athletic upside of Byron Murphy II.

Conclusion

Depending on who you ask, Byron Murphy II may very well be the best defensive prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. His ability to penetrate from the interior with power, speed, and technical prowess would be huge for a Jacksonville team that was devoid of any semblance of an inside presence in 2023.

Grade: 8.6 (impact starter)

Big Cat Country NFL Draft Grading Scale

9.5 to 10 – Top-10 lock. Rare attributes both physically and mentally. Clearly the most talented player on the field in college. Game-changing/wrecking projection at the next level. Potential be top-10 at their position right away.

8.5 to 9.4 – Unquestioned first-round prospect. Elite physical and mental profile. Performed consistently at a high level, no matter the competition in college. Expectations to be an immediate impact player.

7.5 to 8.4 – Mixed opinions on first-round projection. Above average physical profile. Considered a great player at respective school but not a household name. Performs admirably against top competition. Potential to be an immediate starter at the next level. 1-2 round pick.

6.5 to 7.4 – Day 2 prospect. Good athlete but can’t match up with the league’s best. Productive collegiate career. Expectation to perform in a rotational role as a rookie. Potential to become a starter over time.

5.5 to 6.4 – Fringe late Day 2/early Day 3 prospect. Admirable athletic profile. More potential than finished product. Lacking necessary measurables at their position but have found ways to win without them. Rotational piece with a role on special teams as well.

4.5 to 5.4– Day 3 prospect. Either a low ceiling athletically or undersized for their position. Potential for red flag of some sort (exp. Injuries, lack of college production, off-field issues etc.). Still provides an element of intrigue when projecting to the next level. Predominately a special teams player.

3.5 to 4.4 – Bottom half of Day 3 prospect. Underwhelming collegiate career (or small school product). Has a singular trait that’s worth a late round swing of the bat. Chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp. Uphill battle to make final 53.

2 to 3.4 – Priority free agent signee. Traits worth exploring. Camp body.

1 to 1.9 – Clearly not of NFL quality. Lacks the necessary athletic, mental, and skill levels to make any contributions in the league.