Emerging Draft Prospect: Defensive Stud Eyed as Potential No. 9 pick

Chicago Bears' Head Coach Matt Eberflus has long sought a transformative player for the defense, and he may finally find one in the upcoming NFL draft.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune recently highlighted Byron Murphy II, a defensive lineman from Texas, as a rising star. Murphy, who is climbing draft boards, fits the specific type of three-technique tackle Eberflus has emphasized over the past seasons.

Described as the "engine" of the defense, this role goes beyond stats, focusing on penetrating the B-gap to disrupt both the pass and the run. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah even suggested that Murphy could be a top-10 pick, making him an ideal match for the Bears, who might consider him at their No. 9 slot.

Murphy's draft season trajectory resembles that of Darnell Wright, whom the Bears picked last year. Wright, also a late riser, was eventually selected by Chicago with the 10th overall pick after trading down from No. 9. Jacob Infante of Windy City Gridiron noted on X that the buzz around Murphy mirrors that of Wright's, indicating a possible strategic pattern by the Bears.


At the combine, Murphy distinguished himself among defensive tackles, earning top scores for his performance and athleticism. Despite concerns about his size, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein praised his explosive power and agility, predicting a promising future as a three-down player in the right system.