Skip to main content
Texas

Thanks to a 4.87 40, Byron Murphy shines at the NFL Combine

Joe Cookby: Joe Cook02/29/24josephcook89
Byron Murphy
Byron Murphy (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy has seen his name shoot up draft boards in recent weeks, often earning mid first-round billing from many of the more well-known NFL Draft prognosticators. He likely solidified his status as a top-32 pick thanks to his performance at the NFL Combine on Thursday

[Join Inside Texas and get ONE MONTH of Longhorn intel for just $1!]

Murphy, who measured in at 6-foot-0.5, 297 pounds with 10.25-inch hands, an arm length of 32.375 inches, and a wingspan of 77.125 inches, posted fantastic testing numbers in Indianapolis with his 4.87 40-yard dash headlining his standout day.

Combined with a 1.69 10-yard split, a measurement of speed and explosiveness far more important for defensive linemen, and a strong day going through defensive tackle drills, Murphy paired his Big 12 defensive lineman of the year tape with measurables and testing numbers that should have him shaking NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand very early in the 2024 draft.

Among defensive tackles, Murphy’s 4.87 40 was third best, his 1.69 10-yard split was fourth best and just 0.05 behind the top time, his 33-inch vertical jump was 0.5 inches behind the top mark, and his 9-foot-3 broad jump was sixth best.

There is more testing for Murphy tomorrow in the three-cone, the 20-yard short shuttle, and the bench press. But if how he performed in testing and the position-specific drills is any indication, those events should continue to boost Murphy’s profile.

“I thought he was the best in show,” NFL Network analyst and draft expert Daniel Jeremiah said on the telecast.

His drill work drew the praise of New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Cameron Jordan, who exclaimed “that’s clean” when Murphy went through the four bag agility drill. Jordan’s sentiments were common among members of the NFL Network broadcast team.

Jeremiah was even more effusive in his praise when going over Murphy’s film.

Alongside Florida State’s Braden Fiske, Murphy was lauded as having one of the best days among defensive linemen.

Murphy was joined in his group by fellow Longhorn and 2023 Outland Trophy winner T’Vondre Sweat.

Sweat, who weighed in with 366 pounds on his 6-foot-4.5 frame, posted a 26-inch vertical, an 8-foot-2 broad jump, and a 5.27 40-yard dash with a 10-yard split of 1.8 seconds. Like Murphy, he put together a strong day during position drills especially compared to other, lighter defensive tackles.

One more Longhorn is scheduled to go through drills on Thursday in linebacker Jaylan Ford.

[Subscribe to the brand new Inside Texas YouTube channel!]

Coverage of the NFL Combine runs through the weekend on NFL Network.

You may also like