The Seattle Seahawks need sophomore defensive tackle Byron Murphy II to be more effective this season. The No. 16 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft experienced an up-and-down rookie year. Murphy II must be a healthier, stronger player in 2025.
Murphy dealt with injuries throughout 2024. The former Texas standout was limited to 457 snaps in 14 regular-season appearances. He also ceded playing time to Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed, two veteran defenders who return to the defense in 2025.
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There were flashes of dominance from Murphy. In a Week 2 victory over the New England Patriots, he logged four quarterback pressures. He’d do that two more times, versus the Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears in Weeks 14 and 17 respectively. That indicated late-season progress.
Murphy recorded just one sack, but a deeper dive into the analytics reveals the interior defender was more effective than initially believed. Murphy posted a 70.0 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus on true pass sets. His 10% pass-rush win rate (PRWR) and 76th percentile run stop rate highlighted a balanced skill set.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is tasked with developing Murphy this season. John Schneider’s 2024 first-round pick flashed pass-rushing upside in spurts as a rookie. A healthy, more mature sophomore version should be an effective defender in 2025.
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This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks need more from sophomore DT Byron Murphy II in 2025