When discussing the #9 overall pick, most Chicago Bears fans envision two scenarios. They take the best offensive player on the board, be it a tackle or wide receiver, or they trade down and take the best defensive lineman on the board. GM Ryan Poles hasn't provided a concrete answer to that because he doesn't know how the board will fall next Thursday night. However, there is somewhat of an undercurrent developing around one name lately. That is Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy.
For all the talk about edge rushers, head coach Matt Eberflus has said many times his primary goal is finding a legitimate interior rusher for his three-technique position. Almost every expert agrees that Murphy is the most gifted interior rusher in this class. Things became interesting when Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron began dropping Murphy's name regularly in recent weeks. Those who follow him know he doesn't do such things randomly. There is a strong possibility he has heard some things.
By itself, there is no reason to jump at shadows.
However, things took on a new twist when Brad Biggs joined the fray. The Chicago Tribune columnist is probably the most well-connected local insider on the Bears beat. Mere days before the draft begins, he happens to release an article on Murphy. In a vacuum, that could mean nothing. The timing, though, is hard to ignore.
The Bears also own the No. 9 pick and will be positioned to add a difference maker at a variety of positions. Wide receiver, offensive tackle and edge rusher have been mentioned most prominently in the last couple of months, but it’s worth wondering if general manager Ryan Poles’ attention will turn to Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, who plays a position the team hasn’t exactly filled yet for coach Matt Eberflus...
...It’s possible the Bears could trade down slightly and pick Murphy, but there’s buzz he could be the first defensive player selected. The Atlanta Falcons are at No. 8 with a coach in Raheem Morris who came from the Los Angeles Rams and knows firsthand after coaching future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald how impactful a game wrecker in the middle of the defense can be...
...One consistent question emerged as he met with nearly every team: Why did he spend last season primarily at nose tackle with 6-4, 366-pound T’Vondre Sweat at three-technique? Logically it should have been the other way around.
“I told them that’s what (defensive line) coach Bo (Davis) wanted,” Murphy said. “In that defense, the nose position was the enforcer. You’re the guy that sets the tone. That’s why I was the nose the majority of the season.”
Byron Murphy feels like such an obvious target.
The Bears have hunted for a true three-technique for over two years. Larry Ogunjobi failed his physical. Justin Jones was serviceable but hardly a difference-maker. Gervon Dexter could become a good player but lacks the explosiveness necessary for that role. Zacch Pickens may become something, but he isn't there yet. Murphy has drawn comparisons to Ed Oliver and Geno Atkins. For somebody only 6'0 tall, he is lightning-fast off the snap, has violent hands, and is much stronger than he gets credit for.
Don't forget that new defensive coordinator Eric Washington coached Oliver in Buffalo. He knows exactly how to mold a player of this type. Byron Murphy is a problem. If he can squeeze the pocket from up the middle, it would force the quarterback to bail out, likely into Sweat's waiting arms. The Tampa-2 defense has successfully employed this tactic for years. Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice in Tampa. Henry Melton and Julius Peppers. Henry Thomas and Chris Doleman. Kevin Williams and Jared Allen.
That is what the Bears are searching for.
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