Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has made his enthusiasm for first-round draft pick Byron Murphy II no secret. As the team wrapped up its offseason program, Macdonald was effusive in his praise of the rookie defensive lineman, calling him a “perfect fit” for what the Seahawks are building on defense.
“We’re really excited about Grey,” Macdonald said, referring to Murphy by his nickname. “He brings a rare mix of explosiveness, intelligence, and toughness to the line. From day one, you could see he gets it.”
The Seahawks selected Murphy 16th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, looking to bolster a defensive front that has struggled to consistently generate pressure in recent years. Murphy, a standout at the University of Texas, was widely regarded as one of the top interior pass rushers in the class.
Macdonald, known for his creative and aggressive defensive schemes, believes Murphy can be a difference-maker from the jump.
“He’s got the kind of versatility we love,” Macdonald continued. “He can line up anywhere inside, win with power or speed, and he’s already shown he can absorb a lot mentally. That’s big for us.”
Murphy has already turned heads in rookie minicamp and OTAs with his quickness off the snap and his relentless motor. Veteran teammates have praised his work ethic, and defensive coordinator Aden Durde noted that Murphy has been “like a sponge” when it comes to learning the playbook.
While Macdonald cautioned that there’s still a long road ahead before the regular season, he made it clear that the Seahawks expect Murphy to contribute early and often.
“He’s got the traits, and more importantly, he’s got the mindset,” Macdonald said. “We’re not going to put too much on him too fast, but he’s going to play a big role. We wouldn’t have taken him where we did if we didn’t believe that.”
As Seattle transitions into a new defensive era under Macdonald, Murphy represents a foundational piece in that puzzle. And if early impressions are any indication, “Grey” may be one of the brightest spots on the horizon for the Seahawks’ defense.
