3 likely first-round 2024 NFL Draft picks from Texas

Byron Murphy II, DT

NFL.com prospect ranking: No. 19

The favorite to be the first Longhorns player off the board on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft is defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. The 6-foot-1 and 297-pound reigning Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year is one of the most athletic and explosive defensive tackles in this draft class.

Most draft pundits consider Murphy the top defensive tackle prospect in this draft class. There is even some buzz surrounding Murphy that he could be the first defensive player off the board on Day 1 of the draft.

Depending on when the run of edge rushers and defensive tackles begins in the first round of the draft, Murphy could hear his name called as early as the 11th or 12th pick in the first round.

Murphy's incredible production at Texas last season, grading out as the second best defensive tackle in the Power Five, combined with his impressive combine showing has vaulted his draft stock. He plays with tremendous pad-leverage and is violent with his hand usage at the point of attack.

You won't find many more slippery and disruptive defensive tackles in run defense or getting after the quarterback as an interior pass rusher. Murphy is incredibly quick off the line of scrimmage and nimble and slippery to get off blocks.

Murphy's quickness and agility around the line of scrimmage gives him the ability to make an impact for negative and disruptive plays.

More than likely, we will hear Murphy's name called between picks 11 and 18 in the first round of the draft. The Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Cincinnati Bengals are all potential landing spots for Murphy in the middle of the first round.

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