Who is Byron Murphy II? Texas DL may be 2024 NFL draft candidate for Cincinnati at No. 18
The 2024 NFL draft is less than one month away, and the Cincinnati Bengals are getting closer to deciding which player they'll select with the 18th pick in the first round.
Defensive lineman Byron Murphy II played in 39 games over three seasons for the Texas Longhorns, with 16 starts. He was named a 2023 second-team All-American by the Associated Press, and the 2023 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.
"Whether or not this is Cincinnati's most pressing need is up for debate, but Murphy is as disruptive an interior defender as you'll find in this class," CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli wrote in his mock draft. "The Bengals have addressed some holes on offense already, and this pick is a boost to the defensive front."
What to know about Murphy, who entered the draft after an outstanding junior season for the Longhorns:
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor attended Texas' Pro Day earlier this month.
From The Enquirer's Kelsey Conway via Twitter/X:
Zac Taylor doesn’t go to many Pro Days. The fact he’s at Texas today is noteworthy.
The Bengals clearly have a need at DT and they want to add speed to their offense. Texas has players that fit those needs.— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) March 20, 2024
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen also attended. The Colts pick 15th in the first round; Miami's pick is No. 21.
T'Vondre Sweat, who also starred on the Longhorns' defensive line and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, worked out at Texas' Pro Day as well. He's projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick.
Murphy also impressed at the NFL scouting combine.
Murphy's 4.87 40-time was the third-fastest among defensive linemen. He also registered a 33-inch vertical jump, and 9'3" broad jump.
Murphy had 28 reps on the 225-pound bench press. His 10-yard split was 1.69 seconds.
Like Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai, Murphy starred for the Texas Longhorns' defense.
Murphy's freshman year at Texas came one season after Ossai finished in Austin.
Unlike fellow first-round prospect JC Latham, Murphy never faced the Cincinnati Bearcats. Texas and UC did not meet in the Bearcats' first season in the Big 12.
Murphy scored a touchdown for the Longhorns last September, and another in Texas' bowl game.
During the second quarter of a win against Wyoming, Murphy caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Lined up at fullback against Washington during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl, he scored on a 1-yard TD run:
BIG MAN TOUCHDOWN 💪
Texas DL Byron Murphy lines up at fullback and runs it in to tie it up in the Sugar Bowl 🏈pic.twitter.com/CfbfnhCMBA— 247Sports (@247Sports) January 2, 2024
Murphy starred at Texas high school powerhouse DeSoto, in suburban Dallas.
Murphy was an all-state and two-time all-district honoree in four seasons for DeSoto.
DeSoto won back-to-back Class 6A Division II state championships in 2022 and 2023.
Current NFL players from DeSoto include Minnesota Vikings guard Ed Ingram, New York Giants safety Jalen Mills and Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller.
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who is Byron Murphy II? Texas DL may be Cincinnati's pick at No. 18
