Chiefs training camp 2015: Aaron Murray a hero?

As we begin the ever-so-close countdown to the start of training camp, this column wants to devote a few minutes of the day exploring a player who’s performance in training camp could have a long-reaching impact on the approach and strategy of the Kansas City Chiefs.

For this column, we’ll take a look at third-string quarterback Aaron Murray, the second-year player from Georgia.

Many Chiefs fans fully expected current backup quarterback Chase Daniel to be let go, allowing Murray and Tyler Bray to compete for second and third-string positions. Daniel’s contract was set up with that anticipation. The simple fact that it hasn’t happened is curious, and could it shed light on the organizations views and belief in Murray (and to a degree Bray)?

Murray, coming out of the 2014 NFL Draft, was long considered to be a prospect with a limited ceiling but was further along in development, leading to the scouting term, a high floor. Why is a quarterback prospect thought to be ready to at least be a backup not doing so in his second year when there is a belief a significant majority of his development occurred for the Bulldogs at the University of Georgia?

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray (11) throws a touchdown pass against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Missouri defeated Georgia 41-26. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The knocks on Murray coming out of Georgia were his size, standing just tall enough to get a six in his height. Murray also does not have a really strong arm, lacking zip on many passes. Accuracy, as we all know, helps to offset arm strength, at least in the short to intermediate distance.

Recent history shows what happens when quarterbacks with limited arm strength and accuracy start games at the NFL level (let us take a moment to remember the Matt Cassel era in Kansas City… and done). Rarely do undersized quarterbacks with limited arm strength succeed.

However, Murray was also known for being a good leader and part of the locker room, and very knowledgeable of both offense and defensive schemes. Textbook traits of a quality backup quarterback. Someone who is aware and understands defense for those moments they are needed in the game and someone who won’t rock the locker room boat. Important traits. Quality traits.

Murray, at least last season, was recovering from a torn knee ligament suffered at the end of the 2013 season while at Georgia. How comfortable will Murray be in a system for a second season, with presumably a healthy knee? Perhaps.

We’ll finally get to why this season, starting with training camp, is important for both Murray and the Chiefs.

Murray’s development could play a large role in the Chiefs offseason approach going into the 2016 season. For the three of you that sit down and read this work on a weekly basis, (thank you by the way) you’ll know a quarterback was predicted as the first-round guy for the 2016 draft.

With Daniel’s contract set to expire at the end of this season, the Chiefs could have a hole at backup quarterback if Murray is unable to develop. That hole could force general manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid to address the position early and in a big way in the offseason.

However, should Murray take a big step forward, proving he’s capable of taking over Daniel’s position for a few years, it could allow the Chiefs to address other areas of weakness and concern (hello left tackle and running back perhaps?).  While there is doubt about Murray’s long-term prospects as a starter, if he can buy Kansas City a year or two before it has to start sinking a bunch of money into the backup quarterback position, it can really help the team out at other positions.

Murray appears to simply be a guy at camp getting reps. Yet his performance and development will be vital to the long-term focus of assets, mainly draft picks, in the future. Football season can’t get here soon enough.