Seahawks Draft: 'Ideal First Pick' is Longhorns Defensive Tackle Byron Murphy II?

The Seattle Seahawks are entering a new era with defensive-minded Mike Macdonald taking over as head coach.

The Seattle Seahawks are entering a new era with defensive-minded Mike Macdonald taking over as head coach.

After a 9-8 record last season and missing out on the playoffs, much has been discussed about improving and making changes to the offense. But the defense cannot be ignored, and with April's NFL Draft right around the corner, Bleacher Report thinks it's found Seattle's "ideal first pick."

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B/R goes on the assumption that building up the interior defensive line is the primary goal this offseason, and has what it thinks is the perfect solution playing down in Austin.

Goal: Add reinforcements inside

Ideal first pick: DT Byron Murphy II, Texas

"The Seahawks currently aren’t physical enough in the trenches to compete with the league’s premier contenders. Until they can consistently pass protect on offense and find some semblance of success in run defense, they will be at a disadvantage.

"Texas’ Byron Murphy II seems like a perfect fit for Seattle. He’s considered the best all-around defensive tackle in the 2024 class, having led the nation in pass-rush grade in 2023. New head coach Mike Macdonald will aim to bring the same physical nature to his defense as he successfully did in Baltimore.

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"Interior offensive line help is also desperately needed for a team that finished 2023 in the bottom five in pass-blocking grade. The Seahawks should have their eyes on just about any interior prospect between the second and fifth rounds to shore up their pass protection."

B/R reports that Murphy has met with the Seahawks at the Combine in Indianapolis this week, so it's not far-fetched to think there is some interest by Seattle.