A Pair Of Texas Longhorn Defensive Linemen Will Be Coveted During The NFL Draft For Different Reasons

The Saints don't necessarily need to spend an early draft choice on another interior defender, but either of these Longhorns should make a big impact in the NFL.

New Orleans Saints defensive tackles played much better in 2023 than they had in the previous two years after an almost complete makeover last offseason. The makeover started with adding tackles Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders in free agency, then culminated with the first-round selection of Clemson DT Bryan Bresee. 

Saunders did little on the defensive side, but Bresee and Shepherd combined for eight sacks, 17 QB hits, and 11 tackles for loss. Along with DT Malcolm Roach, the unit also played much better run defense compared to the previous year.

Bresee looks like a potential perennial Pro Bowler. He had 4.5 sacks along with 13 pressures, seven tackles for loss, and six tipped passes. However, Roach left in free agency and neither Shepherd or Saunders are not really big difference makers inside. While not necessarily a huge need, the Saints may look for more interior disruption in the upcoming draft.

The University of Texas conducted their Pro Day on Wednesday. Several Longhorn players will come off the board quickly in next month's draft. Included among them are two defensive tackles sure to have the attention of multiple teams. 

Byron Murphy II, DT

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) sacks TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10). © Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Texas 

6'1" 297-Lbs.

After graduating from DeSoto High School in Texas, Murphy elected to stay in-state to play for the Longhorns. He'd appear in every game as a true freshman in 2021, recording two sacks and 3.5 stops for loss. His tackle totals increased the next year, but his sacks dipped to one with three tackles for loss. 

In 2023, Murphy was one of the forces for the Longhorn defense. His five sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss resulted in a 1st Team All-Big 12 selection and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year award.

Murphy has an explosive first step at the snap, allowing him to shoot through gaps quickly. However, it's an impressive combination of power, flexibility, and balance that cause him to create havoc on opposing offenses. 

BYU Cougars quarterback Kedon Slovis throws under pressure from Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II. © Jay Janner/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

A powerful punch and constant upper body movement not only allows Murphy to get blockers on their heels, but sets up counter moves as a pass rusher. That upper body placement also allows him to shed blocks decisively to make plays in the backfield or disengage into pursuit. 

Murphy plays with terrific leverage and has the lower body strength that gives him a strong base as a run defender. His relentless motor and short-area quickness cause him to be a major factor when pursuing a play laterally. 

Despite sack numbers that weren't impressive, Murphy's quickness caused a ton of pressures and hurries. His compact frame and play strength consistently gave him a leverage advantage not just as a pass rusher, but also while defending the run.

Murphy relied a lot on his athleticism in college. His technique wasn't bad, but need continued development to remain effective at the NFL level. With his height, it's unlikely he'll be able to add much more bulk without sacrificing some quickness. 

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) throws Washington running back Dillon Johnson (7) to the ground during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals. © Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

As a tackler, Murphy has been guilty of lateral overpursuit against the run. This has led to open cutback lanes. His shorter arms, combined with being a shade smaller than prototype tackles, can result in him being engulfed by larger blockers.

Murphy benefited from a massive presence next to him in college. While he has the ability to slice through double-team blocking, there is some question whether Murphy can flourish if he doesn't have a big ''space-eater'' next to him at the NFL level.

Murphy's larger Longhorn teammate is earning just as much interest as he is from NFL scouts.

T'Vondre Sweat, DT

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat (93) watches Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) before a snap during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals. © Aaron E. Martinez / USA TODAY NETWORK

Texas

6'4" 366-Lbs.

Younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles DE Josh Sweat, T'Vondre went to in-state Texas after graduating from Huntsville High School. He was an immediate contributor as a freshman in 2019 and a consistent force for Texas in all five of his collegiate seasons. 

In his five years with the Longhorns, Sweat totaled five sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. His best year was last season, with two sacks and eight stops for loss. Those exploits earned him 1st Team All-Big 12 and All-American honors, along with the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and the 2023 Outland Trophy awards.

Simply put, Sweat is a monstrous interior presence. Wide, tall, and powerful, he's effective in a 4-3 role or as a nose tackle in a 3-man front. His ability just to occupy blockers frees up opportunities for defensive teammates. 

Texas Longhorns T'Vondre Sweat (93) pressures Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers (12). © Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Next to impossible to move, Sweat's mere physical stature demands multiple blockers. He sets a wide lower base to prevent linemen from gaining a leverage advantage. His balance is impressive, rarely getting knocked off his feet and setting up a wall in rushing gaps.

An underrated pass rusher, Sweat can collapse a pass pocket with his shear power and force. Those same traits allow him to clog running lanes and make him an elite short yardage defender.

As you'd expect, Sweat's game doesn't contain much quickness or finesse. He can be a little slow at the snap, limiting his chance to get penetration into the backfield. 

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat (93) rushes against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Sweat won't be much of a factor in pursuit. He's a pure downhill defender that shows little in lateral movement. His conditioning may also be an issue. Sweat had a tendency to wear down in several games.

Byron Murphy II and T'Vondre Sweat are both expected to get their names called no later than Day 2 of the draft. Each player has different specialties that they'll add to an NFL defense, with both expected to be immediate contributors.

The Saints added one interior difference maker in last year's draft with Bresee. Another top-tier tackle isn't necessarily a need. However, either Sweat or Murphy alongside Bresee would potentially give New Orleans a dynamic inside duo that would also make an edge spot that underperformed last season even more effective.