On the Path to the Draft: Byron Murphy II views the opportunity to wear the silver and black as a potential ‘blessing.’

Byron Murphy II cherishes one of his standout moments as a college athlete, which occurred on September 9, 2023, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

In the preceding season, Murphy and the Texas Longhorns endured a heart-wrenching 20-19 loss to Alabama, a defeat that lingered throughout the year. As they entered the 2023 season, their mission extended beyond seeking revenge against the Crimson Tide; they aimed to make a statement nationally.

Facing the No. 3 ranked Alabama team, Texas secured a decisive 34-24 victory. Murphy contributed with two tackles and three quarterback hurries during the game.

Reflecting on this accomplishment at the NFL Combine, Murphy emphasized the significance of being the last team to defeat Alabama at home in three years. He acknowledged the difficulty of winning against Alabama and Nick Saban, making the victory a memorable achievement.

The Texas Longhorns went on to clinch the Big 12 Championship for the first time since 2009, concluding the season with a 12-2 record and their inaugural College Football Playoff appearance. Murphy’s partnership with nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat proved to be formidable, powering a defensive line that allowed the third-fewest rushing yards to opponents in 2023. Murphy, with 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, is now eager to transition his skills to the professional level.

When asked about his potential NFL contributions, Murphy emphasized qualities such as hard work, leadership, grit, determination, and teamwork. While he didn’t express a specific preference for his draft destination, Murphy highlighted the desire to play alongside a proven edge rusher. Numerous mock drafts have connected him to the Raiders, and the prospect of teaming up with Defensive Player of the Year finalist Maxx Crosby is something Murphy finds enticing.

Expressing gratitude at the possibility of joining the Raiders, Murphy believes playing with Crosby would be an exceptional experience, anticipating that Crosby’s presence would enhance his own performance on the field.