2024 NFL Combine standouts the 49ers can't allow to become draft busts
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: DT Byron Murphy II, Texas
The 49ers could use some interior defensive line help, especially considering defensive tackle Arik Armstead has been dealing with serious foot injuries and fellow defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is a pending free agent.
The Niners may again target the D-line early in the draft as they've done so many years previously, meaning Texas' Byron Murphy II could be on the radar late in Round 1.
Murphy, 6-foot-0 and 297 pounds, is the short and squatty kind of defender who typically epitomized the 1-technique role in San Francisco's 4-3 base defense, and his abilities as a run-stuffer and pass-rusher shouldn't be undervalued.
That said, Murphy doesn't have much more room for functional weight. Despite a strong 4.87 40-time and 33-inch vertical jump, which were impressive at the NFL Combine, Murphy's physique could easily get him into trouble in the wide-9 alignment the 49ers deploy.
Not boasting the ability to win inside against bigger, stronger offensive linemen could spell a disappointing NFL career, especially if he ends up playing for a team like the Niners.