AUSTIN, Texas — In 2023, the Texas Longhorns defense was defined by its run-stopping prowess, ranking fifth nationally as opponents averaged 2.90 yards per carry and scored just nine rushing touchdowns, led by Outland Trophy winner T’Vondre Sweat and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Byron Murphy.
By the 38th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft when the Tennessee Titans selected Sweat, both players were off the board after Murphy was picked by the Seattle Seahawks at No. 16.
“Murphy was such a penetrator and disrupter and Sweat kind of played off of him,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said early in preseason camp.