Round 2 (58): Byron Murphy II, IDL, Texas
Byron Murphy is a true junior who is playing his first real season as a starter. Last year he sat mostly behind two other NFL-caliber defensive tackles in Moro Ojomo and current Chief Keondre Coburn.
Murphy has made a nice impact in his first year. He and his running mate, T'Vondre Sweat, are Pro Football Focus' top two interior defensive linemen on the season. Murphy has logged 6 sacks and 40 pressures as a first-year starter. His 6'1" 305-pound frame profiles out as a gap-shooting aggressive interior presence, and he is more than just a run stuffer.
How he fits: The Chiefs' needs at defensive tackle are fairly obvious. They are relying on Derrick Nnadi and Matt Dickerson as their primary run defenders. Both are unrestricted free agents this year and can be improved upon. Chris Jones will likely be gone as well. The Chiefs will certainly need bodies at the position but also upside. Murphy has a chance to be a similar type of player as Chris Jones. Reuniting him with Keondre Coburn, the Chiefs could have new look interior with Coburn, Murphy, Neil Farrell, and another veteran.
Shades of: Jurrell Casey
Byron Murphy II: 4 QB Pressures in the Big 12 Championship Game
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 3, 2023
Led all Defensive Tackles this weekend🤘 pic.twitter.com/PAvW0cEItW