Las Vegas Raiders
· 2026-07-08
Las Vegas Raiders have taken defensive tackle Byron Murphy II with the No. 13 pick in CBS Sports' 2024 NFL redraft, instantly filling a glaring interior‑line need. The move gives the AFC West club a proven pass‑rusher as it eyes a turnaround after a shaky start to the season.
The Raiders entered the redraft with a thin defensive front and limited options at interior line. Their recent draft missed out on a star DT, leaving a gap that the coaching staff could not ignore. Murphy, a Texas native who logged seven sacks for the Seattle Seahawks last season, fits the profile of a disruptive, quick‑moving defender. He helped Seattle clinch a Super Bowl win, proving he can perform under pressure. By selecting him, Las Vegas signals a shift toward a more aggressive defensive scheme that leans on interior pressure to free up edge rushers.
CBS Sports analyst Zachary Pereles argued that while the Raiders could have reached for another receiver, the best talent left on the board was Murphy. He highlighted Murphy’s blend of speed and power, calling him “one of the most underappreciated interior defenders in the game.” The analyst noted that the Raiders also have quarterbacks Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew, but without a stronger D‑line, the passing attack would remain vulnerable. Murphy’s seven‑sack season and playoff experience give him an edge over other prospects still on the board.
As of July 8 2026, the Raiders sit 11th in the National Football Conference with an 8‑9 record and a four‑game winning streak, showing they can string together victories when the defense clicks. Their next test comes against the Miami Dolphins on September 13, 2026. Adding Murphy could solidify the line just in time for that matchup, potentially limiting Miami’s rushing attack and forcing more turnovers.
Head coach Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham are expected to run Murphy in a hybrid 3‑4/4‑3 front, allowing him to line up both as a traditional nose tackle and as a one‑technique in passing situations. Graham praised Murphy’s “brilliant speed at the position,” suggesting he’ll be used on early downs to disrupt opposing offensive lines. The plan includes rotating Murphy with veteran D‑tackle Johnathan Marshall to keep him fresh and maximize his pass‑rush bursts.
Securing Murphy now means the Raiders can look past the draft and focus on free‑agency moves that complement his skill set. With a solid interior anchor, the team may pursue edge rushers or linebackers who thrive when the middle pressure forces offenses into predictable plays. The front office sees this as a building block for a defensive core that can sustain success beyond the 2026 season.
Raiders supporters took to social media with a mix of optimism and cautious hope. Many highlighted Murphy’s playoff pedigree, while others reminded the crowd that the team still needs to improve its secondary. The consensus is clear: a strong interior defender could be the missing piece that turns a middling season into a playoff run.
The team will bring Murphy into rookie minicamp next week, where he’ll meet the defensive line unit and begin learning the playbook. If he adapts quickly, expect him to see snaps in the first regular‑season game. The Raiders’ front office believes this pick could be the catalyst for a defensive resurgence as they chase a postseason berth.