DETROIT – Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday evening.
Murphy is the 46th first-round NFL draft choice in Texas history, the second consecutive year in which a Longhorn was selected in the first round following running back Bijan Robinson's selection in 2023 by the Atlanta Falcons. He is the first Texas defensive lineman taken in the first round since Malcom Brown was selected 32nd overall by the New England in 2015. He is the 25th Texas defensive lineman taken in the NFL Draft since 2000.
Murphy is the sixth Texas player drafted by the Seahawks in program history and the first since punter Michael Dickson was picked in the fifth round in 2018. He is the third Longhorn chosen in the first round by Seattle, joining defensive back Earl Thomas (2010) and defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs (2004).
"Seattle got a great one and a guy that can be an anchor on their defensive line for a long time in Byron Murphy," said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. "The biggest thing about Murph is the work ethic. He wasn't the most highly recruited player coming out of high school, but he worked extremely hard, earned everyone's respect and developed into a big-time NFL first-round pick. He really had a pitbull mentality every day in practice and is a guy who graduated from UT in just three years and has a great football IQ. He is such an awesome person, incredible teammate and was a great team leader for us. The work ethic, drive, determination, and the coachability really stand out with Murph. He's a disruptive, penetrating type player, so whatever front you're looking at, he can be a great player for you. With us he played a lot over the center and was very effective at that, but he also got on the edge and was able to get up field, too. The amount of times he put pressure on a quarterback and an offense was immense, he's a very disruptive, attacking type of player who's at his best when you cut him loose and let him go.
"Murph is a really explosive, powerful guy. He's a disruptive defensive lineman who can consistently make plays on the opposite side of the line scrimmage. His effort and work ethic are unmatched, and that's how he plays every single snap. He doesn't take any plays off and has the ability to get to the quarterback. To think he was the second defensive player, and first defensive tackle, taken in this year's draft speaks volumes about what the Seahawks and everyone in the NFL sees in him, and they definitely won't be disappointed. Murph is a great one and I can't wait to watch him in the NFL."
Murphy's No. 16 overall selection is the highest a Longhorn defensive player has been selected in the NFL Draft in 12 years (Kenny Vaccaro/15th/Saints/2013). With Robinson going No. 8 overall last year, it also marks the first time since 2009 (Brian Orakpo/13th/Redskins) and 2010 (Earl Thomas/14th/Seahawks) that Texas has had a first-round pick in back-to-back years.
The 2023 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, Murphy was selected a second-team All-American by the Associated Press and Sporting News.
A native of DeSoto, Murphy played in 39 games with 16 starts during his three seasons on the Forty Acres. He totaled 70 tackles (32 solo) with 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks, while also hauling in one touchdown and rushing for another score – the only lineman in program history to score two offensive touchdowns.
Last season, Murphy earned first-team All-Big 12 accolades from the league's coaches and the AP. He established career bests with 29 tackles, 13 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He has registered at least two tackles in eight games and recorded a tackle for loss in six of 14 games, including a four-tackle, three tackle for loss and two-sack performance at Baylor. In the Longhorns' victory over Wyoming, he hauled in a 1-yard touchdown reception, becoming just the fourth Texas lineman to score an offensive touchdown. He added a 1-yard rushing touchdown against Washington in the Sugar Bowl.
Murphy earned honorable mention All-Big 12 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2021. An Academic All-Big 12 First Team honoree in 2022 and a second-team honoree in 2023, he graduated from UT with a degree in Sports Management. A member of the 2021-22 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team, Murphy was a three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll.
NFL DRAFT NOTES
First Round Draft Picks
- Second consecutive year in which a Longhorn was selected in the first round (Bijan Robinson, 2023)
- The second Longhorn chosen with the 16th overall selection (Raymond Clayborn, 1977 - New England)
All-Time Longhorn DLs picked in the first round
- Byron Murphy II, DT (Seattle, 2024)
- Malcom Brown, DT (New England, 2015)
- Brian Orakpo, DE (Washington, 2009)
- Marcus Tubbs, DT (Seattle, 2004)
- Casey Hampton, DT (Pittsburgh, 2001)
- Kenneth Sims, DE (New England, 1982)
Other Notes
• Murphy is the357thLonghorn selected inthe NFL Draft.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Byron Murphy II
On being a fit for Seattle's defense:
I'm a good fit for this defense because my play style is very aggressive, and I can stop the run and rush the passer, so I'm an all-three-downs type of player. That's why I feel like I fit perfectly in their defense and in their scheme and everything.
On meeting with Seattle before the draft:
When I met with them at the combine, what stood out to me was when I walked in there, they welcomed me with open arms and it felt like family right away. It was just a blessing for them to have me come in there and interview me.
On the call:
When I got that call, I was just happy and excited. It was just like a dream come true, so I'm just blessed and honored to be a Seattle Seahawk.
On being a Seattle fan as a kid:
I was a Seahawks fan as a kid. I really loved the "Legion of Boom" with Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Michael Bennett, all of those guys. Then you had all of those offensive guys. Watching them growing up, they dominated the league and won the Super Bowl and everything, so just growing up watching them, that's all I wanted was to win a Super Bowl and win games.
On being chosen by Seattle after growing up as a fan:
It means a lot. It's an honor for them just to believe in me, and they've invested in me, so I'm going to give them everything I've got. I owe them my all. And again, growing up that was my favorite team, and now to be drafted by Seattle, it's crazy. I give all glory to God, and this was God's plan.
On his heroes growing up:
My heroes growing up were my parents. They sacrificed so much for me when I was a kid, for me and my brothers. They always found a way to make ends meet. They never made any complaints, and they're the reason I'm here today, and I owe it all to them really. This means a lot to them because they've watched me grow up from a boy to a man. They've seen it first hand, and they watched me put the work in each and every day. They saw how dedicated and motivated I am, so they're just proud and happy for me because I made my dream come true.
On Poona Ford having played in Seattle:
I've got a bit of a relationship with him. We've talked before, and he's hit me up, and I've hit him up, so me and Poona, we're cool.
President of Football Operations/GM John Schneider
High motor, high effort, great individual, he's 21 years old, he got his degree in three years. Just up and down the line of scrimmage, he's a pass rusher, TFLs, you name it. He's got a lot of utility, a lot of variety. To sit here and think when we started it that we'd be able to acquire him, we'd by lying to you.
Head coach Mike Macdonald
He just plays our style of football, and he's so talented. Versatility along the front, such an aggressive player, he plays violently. He's got heavy hands for a guy of shorter stature, he's flexible, pass rush flexibility, you name it. We're excited to have him.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Seahawks are getting an absolute DAWG 😤@ByronMurphyII x @Seahawks x #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/yous5XloU7
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) April 26, 2024
defensive dawg. bark and bite. #hookem @Seahawks @TexasFootball @ByronMurphyII https://t.co/ElyKEmyeGa
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) April 26, 2024
Current mood 🤘🤘@ByronMurphyII ➡️ @Seahawks pic.twitter.com/m8SjsGid4t
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) April 26, 2024
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 26, 2024300 lbs moving 4.88? Seahawks just got an ATHLETE in Byron Murphy II 🤯
QB hunting since 2019 🤫 https://t.co/CYoPFtHDw6
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 26, 2024
Got our guy. 💪@ByronMurphyII | @QNTMFiber pic.twitter.com/ypgWTASJ6N
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 26, 2024
You know the vibes, @ByronMurphyII. 🤘 pic.twitter.com/ata81coD1D
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 26, 2024
BYRON MURPHY II pic.twitter.com/EgQzobGTcH
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 26, 2024
— NFL (@NFL) April 26, 2024With the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 @NFLDraft, the @Seahawks select Byron Murphy! @NewEraCap
📺: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/FwAOjodOMq
We're all fired up. 🔥 https://t.co/vBeR3USDEk
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 26, 2024
Time to celebrate, Byron. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/oBUga79K8w
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 26, 2024
ATX 🤝 SEA #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/7JoOj5XCdw
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) April 26, 2024
ATX 🤝 SEA #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/7JoOj5XCdw
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) April 26, 2024
Murph is headed to Seattle! 🤘@ByronMurphyII x @Seahawks pic.twitter.com/8zYXxzfvgf
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) April 26, 2024
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