SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks selected University of Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II with its first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
The Seahawks used its No. 16 pick to bolster its defensive line. ESPN rated Murphy II as the best defensive tackle and the 14th-best prospect overall in the draft class.
Murphy II, who spent three seasons with Texas, saved his best season for last, totaling 29 tackles and five sacks in his senior campaign. For his efforts, Murphy II was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2023.
ESPN's Steve Muench said Murphy II is an "outstanding" run defender, a helpful trait for a Seahawks team that ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed per game last season.
"Murphy is an outstanding run-defender with a low center of gravity and explosive power," Muench said in his draft scouting report. "He finds the ball, gets off blocks and pursues with good effort. He gets into gaps and disrupts plays in the backfield, too. Murphy fights to hold his ground when he gets doubled, and he flashes the ability to split double-teams. He's quick with active hands and changes directions well rushing the passer. And Murphy is an effective lead blocker who can even carry the ball and catch it on offense in goal-line packages."
Murphy II is the first defensive tackle selected by the Seahawks in the first round since Marcus Tubbs (No. 23 overall) in 2004.
The Seahawks’ next selection in the 2024 NFL Draft will be in the third round (No. 81 overall).
