Byron Murphy II DT Texas: Scouting Report

Height: 6’1

Weight: 308

Overall

Byron Murphy II is an undersized but explosive defensive tackle in Texas’ hybrid defense. He lined up all over the defensive line on film but played primarily as the 3-technique. In his 3 seasons with the Longhorns, he played in 39 games, starting 16 of them. While he only played sparingly his first two seasons he had very good production this past year as the full-time starter.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Murphy is explosive out of his stance and has an elite first step to attack offensive linemen and get his hands on them early. He has a strong initial punch and the lower body power to drive his man onto their heels, shrinking the pocket with his bullrush. He has very active hands and shows an extensive pass rush repertoire on film including a dip and rip and an excellent swipe move to separate from blocks. He plays with a very high motor. Even when his initial move is unsuccessful he keeps fighting through contact and works his way to the quarterback. He played primarily as the 3 technique on the line of scrimmage but in Texas’ hybrid defense he was also used on the edge and even at nose at times and showed the power and athleticism to be successful anywhere on the line.

Run Game

In the run game, Murphy continues to use his explosiveness and leg drive to reset the line of scrimmage off the snap to plug up running lanes. He does a good job of extending his arms after initial contact to separate from his man and read the play. Against double teams he shows the ability to hold his gap and occasionally rip through but his lack of size may result in some struggles against double teams at the next level. He shows good effort in chasing down the ball-carrier across the field and he has the athleticism to make plays on the opposite hash.

Last Word

Murphy is an explosive defensive tackle who projects best as a 3-technique in a 4-3 defense but he has the flexibility to be used as an end in a 3-4 and occasionally on the edge or at nose in sub packages. With his elite first step and his ability to play anywhere on the line he will be dominant on 3rd downs in the NFL. His flexibility will make him a key contributor on special teams early in his career as well. 

One-Liner: Byron Murphy II has an elite first step off the line of scrimmage and although he is undersized, his flexibility and athleticism will allow him to be a 3 down player immediately in the NFL.

Grade: 6.7 (Solid Starter on All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2023 - Alabama, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Houston

Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans