Kyler Murray previously hired Scott Boras to represent his MLB interests, but now that the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner has announced intentions to pursue an NFL path, he made a decision on that front.
Entering the week without an NFL agent, Murray hired Select Sports Group’s Erik Burkhardt, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports (on Twitter). Select Sports was believed to be the favorites for Murray, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill (Twitter link).
The Oklahoma-developed quarterback will enter the pre-draft process as one of the most unusual prospects in memory. A 5-foot-10 (with most expecting him to measure up at 5-8 or 5-9 at the Combine) dual-threat passer with one year of full-time college gridiron work, Murray was a top-10 MLB draft pick. He will now force quarterback-needy teams to do extensive homework in advance of the NFL draft.
NFL executives are coming around on the diminutive signal-caller. Of the 10 GMs or higher-ranking execs NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport surveyed, nearly all of them believe Murray will be a first-round pick, rising significantly from a small sample Rapoport took in December (video link). Some of these execs said Murray will be a mid-first-round selection. Conversely, Albert Breer of SI.com has not heard personnel people quite as bullish on Murray’s NFL fit, tabbing him as a second- or third-round prospect but a player who, because of positional scarcity, will likely end up as a first-rounder.
The first round has several teams in need of immediate quarterback answers — the Giants, Jaguars, Broncos, Dolphins and Redskins — and some potentially in need of future solutions (the Buccaneers, Bengals, Chargers and Patriots). The Saints also fit into the latter category but do not hold a first-round selection. The Raiders have three, and while they employ Derek Carr, his job security is not nearly as rock-solid as it was under the Reggie McKenzie regime. The Giants also may be leaning against being a player in the Murray sweepstakes.
Detroit Lions better grab him
He may end up a first round pick, but it doesn’t mean he’s a first round talent. History is littered with many quarterbacks that fell that way.
Did you not watch any Oklahoma games this season? Absolutely a 1st round talent he had a better season than Baker did in 2017.
Plenty of people have had better seasons then Kyler and don’t work as NFL players.
Kid definitely has an arm, but odds are against him because of his height. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
His size makes the odds very long that he will have long term success as a QB. Guys like Breeze and Russel Wilson are exceptions, not the rule. But someone will take a chance on him in the first round, and his rookie contract will far exceed what he was to get from the A’s. Plus, if he is successful, QB is the one position in the NFL where his long term earning potential is better than baseball.
Someone will
Blow a wasted first round pick on his potential. Most experts see a Doug Flutie light prospect.
He’s more Vick than anything else, haven’t heard one expert compare him to Flutie.
I’m interested if people will be acting the same way toward Tua when he comes out, really how many great lefties have there been?
I don’t c Murray as a bust. I think he will end up as a above average QB. But just like with all these guys coming out, it will depend on who takes him. I personally think a team like Miami will b his best bet. With less expectations right outta the gate. Perfect fit would b New Orleans but it would take them trading away a lot to get into the mid first to get him.
Like an Eli Manning sort of level? Good but not great
Would love to see Miami draft him
Miami drafts him then the Marlins trade for his rights to the As and all is well.