Texas DT Byron Murphy II enters NFL draft

Field Level Media|published: 01/04/2024, 4:01pm EST

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates after a play during the second quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. credits: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II plans to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.

Murphy revealed his plans to turn pro after three seasons with the Longhorns, thanking head coach Steve Sarkisian and the other coaches for bringing him to Austin to play on the big-game stage.

Texas could be well-represented in the upcoming draft.

Murphy was often in the shadow of All-Big 12 defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat, but rates as a first-round draft pick according to Field Level Media. In his first season as a full-time starter in 2023, Murphy was named Big 12 defensive lineman of the year.

His unique skill set could make him a fit in varied defensive fronts in the NFL, and he's no slouch when it comes to athleticism as evidenced by his two offensive touchdowns — the second in the Sugar Bowl loss to Washington on New Year's Day — this season.

Murphy had 5.0 sacks as a junior. He was credited with an "elite" pass-rushing grade by Pro Football Focus with 40 QB pressures during the 2023 season.

—Field Level Media