NFL Scouts Weigh in on Whether Kyler Murray Will Make a Good Pro QB

In a somewhat surprising move last week, Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray announced he would be skipping spring training with the Oakland A’s to pursue a career playing quarterback in the NFL.

In the first step on his path to getting drafted, the former Oklahoma star will attend the NFL Combine next week, though he hasn’t decided if he will participate in any of the drills.

Whether he does or not, a number of NFL scouts and talent evaluators have already weighed in on whether Murray – who is generously listed at 5-foot-10 – will make a good pro quarterback.

While speaking with Sports Illustrated, one AFC executive discussed Murray with relation to a first-round pick from last year – Lamar Jackson – and dissected his size, or lack thereof.

“This kid is way better than Lamar Jackson – better arm, more accurate, better anticipation, better processor, better athlete,” according to the exec. “I think he’s better across the board than Lamar, Lamar’s just bigger. But that’s not irrelevant. … If I told you he was 6′ 3″, you’d be all in, but he’s not. He’s shorter than Russell Wilson, and Russell is a lot stockier. … He’s a really good player. He does all the quarterback stuff really well. He’s a great athlete. My hang-up is his size.”

Despite his size, a college scouting director for another AFC team said Murry will probably be a first-round pick.

“He’s a hard one. He’s really good, he throws the ball well, there are no throws that he can’t make on any level,” according to the scouting director. “And I don’t think him being small is that big a problem, but when you’re small and you run like he can, I’m not sure how you wouldn’t be a little concerned. … You have to build it around him, but he’s pretty good. … And you gotta be real with yourself too, if you want to take him. You may have a second-round grade on him—I think a lot of people do—but if you think you’re getting him in the second round, you’re probably not.”