One bold prediction for Seahawks No. 16 overall pick Byron Murphy II in 2024 NFL season

The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2024 NFL Draft in need of an upgrade along the offensive line.  But they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to beef up the defensive side of the ball with the selection of Byron Murphy II with the No. 16 overall pick in the draft.

Highly touted as the best defensive tackle in the draft, the Seahawks pounced on the disruptive force out of the University of Texas and still addressed the O-line later in the draft.  Was this a smart move for the Seahawks?

A team really can’t go wrong in adding to the interior of the defensive line with an impact player like Murphy who can get after the quarterback up the middle.  During his last season at Texas, Murphy led the nation from the DT position with a 12.7% pressure rate.  That went along with 5.0 sacks which gives the Seahawks a player who can stop the run and collapse the pocket up the middle.

What the Seattle Seahawks could have in Byron Murphy II

Seattle is getting a player in Murphy who should greatly improve their run defense.  Per PFF, the Seahawks’ run defense ranked 23rd against the run despite showing improvement as the year went on.  That ranking showed just how much they struggled to start the season in 2023.  Although they improved, giving up an average of 87.5 rushing yards per game from October onward.

As far as current team, teaming Murphy up with Leonard Williams on the interior of that line should continue the trend the Seahawks’ defense was on against the run as the season moved forward.  With Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins rounding out the depth chart at defensive tackle, new head coach Mike Macdonald, who was previously a defensive coordinator, will have a lot to play with upfront.  A player like Murphy must have him licking his chops, although he is keeping it straight forward when it comes to expectations for the rookie.

"With Byron, I feel like I give you guys the same answer every time time you ask. He's a guy that we thought he was,” Macdonald said, via the team’s official website. “Again, let's not crown him yet, but he's on the way. He's a force in there. I think the guys see it. I'm pleased with his effort. The guy brings it every day. He's a rookie. There's things that we want to attack, but he's a savvy football player. He knows what he's doing out there. He's not lost, plays fast, plays rugged. I think the future is bright for Mr. Murphy."

Bold prediction for the 2024 NFL season

Even if Murphy isn’t an instant starter, he will shine in the middle of that Seahawks’ defensive line.  At 306 pounds, the Texas product will showcase his versatility along the defensive line and earn snaps as a defensive end due to his ability to get to the passer.  When all is said and done, Murphy will be an impact rookie in the league and equal his sack total during his last season at Texas with 5.0 sacks.  In fact, he’ll be so disruptive, he’ll be a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. 

Yes, you heard it here first.