Byron Murphy II throws out the first pitch at Seattle Mariners game

Texas product Byron Murphy II is settling into his new home in Seattle. On Friday night, he threw out the first pitch at the Mariners game. Murphy wore a custom blue and yellow jersey with his name on the back and the number 91, which he'll wear with the Seahawks.

The Seahawks selected Murphy II with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the first Big 12 player and only second defensive player off the board. He joins a new-look Seahawks defense under new head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates sacking Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) during the game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Ames, Iowa. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Last season, Macdonald was the defensive coordinator for the Ravens, where defensive tackle Justin Madubuike earned a Second-Team All-Pro nomination with a career-best 13 sacks. Macdonald will hope for similar success in coaching Murphy, whose 19.6% pass-rush win rate led all interior defensive linemen in the country last year, per PFF.

Leonard Williams, a former Pro Bowl defensive lineman, had high praise for his new rookie teammate. "He understands the game already, which is really nice to see," Williams said. "He's [also] just a hard worker. That's the number one compliment I can give somebody is that they work hard."

The Seahawks needed to upgrade their defensive line this offseason, and they hit it out of the park with Murphy and Williams. Expect that tandem to wreak havoc on the NFC West as Seattle hopes to return to the postseason.