As the 2024 NFL Draft nears, two defensive tackles are still jockeying for position to be the first player drafted at their position. They are Illinois’ Johnny Newton and Texas' Byron Murphy II. Indications are that both are first-round picks, but Murphy possesses the better opportunity to be the first one drafted.
Murphy exploded out of his shell this season for a Longhorns program that advanced to the College Football Playoff. The DeSoto, Texas native recorded career highs in sacks (5.0), tackles (29) and tackles for loss (8.5) while routinely drawing double teams. Murphy consistently made game-changing plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Murphy received an invite to participate in this year's Senior Bowl. He ultimately declined his invitation. Multiple anonymous NFL scouts indicated Murphy had little to gain in Mobile, having already established himself as a top-20 overall selection. That provides a strong indication that Murphy will be the first interior defensive lineman drafted.
Murphy then traveled to the NFL Combine and displayed elite athleticism. He ran a 4.87 40 with splits of 2.83 and 1.69, outstanding results for a 297-pound defender. Murphy's lower-body explosiveness was evident through a 33-inch vertical and 9-foot-3 broad jump. Murphy also exhibited agility and change of direction, running a 4.5 shuttle and 7.5 3-cone. Murphy's performance in Indianapolis reinforced what scouts already believed—he's an elite athlete who’s worthy of a top-20 pick.
Murphy pairs an explosive first step with a red-hot motor that's always revving. He's an extremely disruptive interior defender who projects as a dominant 3-tech at the next level. It shouldn't be long before Murphy is rubbing shoulders with the elite pro players at that position such as Christian Wilkins and Quinnen Williams.
While his ability to disrupt clean pockets and rush the passer is what's most impressive about Murphy's make-up, he also has three-down potential as a run-stopper. Murphy utilizes quickness to occupy gaps and immediately get backfield penetration as a run defender. Murphy forces running backs to alter their path, often resulting in negative plays. Lateral agility and reactive athleticism also allow Murphy to successfully pursue backside opportunities.
Newton is an outstanding prospect in his own right. The Fighting Illini standout totaled a career-high 7.5 sacks this past season, bringing his 2022-2023 sack total to an impressive 13. Play strength and advanced hand-fighting ability make Newton an extremely disruptive defender. There are simply a few more questions surrounding his pre-draft process that may give Murphy the upper hand.
Offseason foot surgery prevented Newton from physically participating at the NFL Combine. The same reason was provided for Newton's non-participation at Illinois' Pro Day on March 8. While Murphy checked boxes throughout the process, Newton's injury unfortunately added health and athleticism-based questions to his pre-draft experience.
It's worth noting there are length-related questions surrounding both Newton and Murphy. Newton measured in with 22nd percentile arm length (32.375 inches), and a sixth percentile wingspan (just under 76 inches) at the NFL Combine, per MockDraftable. Murphy has similar shortcomings, with 22nd percentile length (32.375 inches) and 14th percentile wingspan (a hair over 77 inches). Whoever drafts them has to be comfortable with those deficiencies.
Murphy and Newton both possess the production and traits required to qualify as top-32 selections. Murphy has enjoyed more of a straightforward pre-draft process from a health and athletic testing perspective. That could give Murphy the advantage on draft weekend.
