Following the Seahawks No. 16 overall selection of defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, the media and fans on social media raved about how good a pick Murphy is.

Matthew McConaughey, actor and University of Texas alum sang Murphy's praises, calling him a "dawg."

Murphy's new teammates expressed their excitement for the new Seahawk.

Mina Kimes and Robert Griffin III chimed in too.

Next Gen Stats gave Murphy an overall draft score of 83 and compared him to Ravens defensive tackle, Justin Madubuike.

Most analysts have come to the same consensus and graded Murphy with at least an A. Last night after the Seahawks selected Murphy, president of football operations/general manager John Schneider said, "We had him graded as the best defensive player in the draft… High motor, high effort, great individual. He's 21-years old, got his degree in three years. Up and down the line of scrimmage, pass rusher, TFLs, you name it. A lot of utility, a lot of variety. To sit here and think when we started that we'd be able to acquire him, we'd be lying to you."

Here are some draft grades.

Danny Kelly, The Ringer

Draft Grade: A+

This is a smart pick for Seahawks GM John Schneider, who beefs up the team's defensive line with his first pick of the post–Pete Carroll era. Murphy is a disruptor at the highest level and should be a massive boon for new head coach Mike Macdonald's defense, giving the team a versatile pass rusher who can line up and collapse the pocket from multiple spots. Murphy's a little undersized, but he brings incredible power and ballast to play the run, too.

Chad Reuter, NFL

Draft Grade: A

One of the least surprising picks in the first round was Murphy to the Seahawks. His skills as a run-stuffer and interior pressure machine were worthy of a pick in the top half of the first round and something Seattle needed in its front four. His smallish frame (6-0 1/2, 297 pounds) belies how well he plays under the pads of offensive linemen, and his quick first step makes him tough to handle one-on-one, especially on reach blocks. Similarly-sized tackles like Ed Oliver and Calijah Kancey show that you don't have to be huge to be a top-notch D-lineman.

Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman, The Athletic

Draft Grade: A

Good things come to those who wait? Sure, we'll go with that. The Seahawks have had a need right in the middle of their defense for what seems like several years now. And after early runs on quarterbacks and tackles pushed the top defenders down, Seattle hit a whopper by landing the top interior defensive lineman in this draft.

Murphy, who can play nose or three-tech, is extremely powerful and explosive with a lethal punch at the point of attack. A smaller body in the Aaron Donald mold, Murphy is all gas off the line of scrimmage, and his natural leverage makes him a bear to deal with inside. Some teams valued him as a top-10 prospect in this draft. This is terrific value for new Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald.

Pro Football Network, James Fragoza

Draft Grade: A

With Macdonald entering his first year as head coach, it's no surprise the Seahawks went defense in the first round. Byron Murphy II not only fills a major need on the interior of the defensive line, but he also brings immense pass-rush upside and is a perfect fit for Macdonald system.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

Draft Grade: A

They patiently wait and get the player who might be the best defensive player in this draft. Murphy has been compared to Justin Madubuike, who new Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald coached in Baltimore.

Pro Football Focus

Draft Grade: Very Good

The Seahawks opt to improve a position where they already have some pieces in place with one of the best defensive players in the draft. Since 2021, Murphy's 12.5% pressure rate ranks third among defensive tackles with at least 500 pass-rushing snaps, trailing only 2023 first-round picks Jalen Carter and Calijah Kancey. A Murphy and Leonard Williams tandem on the interior creates a clear strength for Seattle heading into 2024.

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