Browns' Jared Verse and Seahawks' Byron Murphy II highlight All-Pro hopefuls

As the NFL season approaches, defensive stars Jared Verse of the Browns and Byron Murphy II of the Seahawks are seen as early candidates for All-Pro status. Verse, drafted 19th overall in 2024, recorded 80 pressures last season, while Murphy, the 16th overall pick, achieved seven sacks in 2025. Both players' performances are pivotal to their teams' defensive units, which aim for greater recognition this year. Other notable mentions include Carson Schwesinger from the Browns and Jaycee Horn from the Panthers as rising stars to watch. The of candidates has prompted discussions about the potential for first-time All-Pro selections among these young players.

• 9:03 PMCBS NFL — Predicting NFL All-Pros at every defensive position: Young Browns, Seahawks stars among those to watch in 2026