Sep 21, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray (11) throws a pass against the North Texas Mean Green during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today’s Jim Corbett writes the Chiefs have met with Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray.
"Murray met with the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday night and will interview with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday."
Murray is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in November, but he appears to be healing well. Corbett talked with ESPN’s Jon Gruden, who is in the middle of his “QB Camp” series and recently worked with Murray.
"“I didn’t want to stress him that much because I realized he just had surgery,” Gruden said. “So I said, ‘What can’t you do?’ He said, ‘I’m full go. Let’s let it rip.’ He put a brace on. We threw him on the move, threw some awkward deliveries. I couldn’t have been more impressed.”"
This would be a really interesting pick for the Chiefs, who are in the final year of Alex Smith‘s deal and don’t have anything in-house who could be ready to fill his shoes in 2015 if he left. Comparisons of Drew Brees are given because of his height (6-1) and excellent accuracy. Gruden commented Murray is like another coach on the field, which appears to be an important element in Andy Reid‘s complex offensive system.
The down side to Murray is his stock is rising as his knee continues to improve. This could mean the Chiefs would have to spend a third round pick on him in order to insure they retain his services. Reid is noted for taking quarterbacks in the second and third rounds and then flipping them for draft picks later, so this could be seen more as an investment than a “how do we improve the team for 2014” pick.
Then again, he could easily be the guy who replaces Alex Smith. Murray is the SEC’s all-time leading passer and set a Georgia school record with 121 touchdown passes. In his four seasons as a starter he won 36 games and made back-to-back SEC Championship games. His production and skill set was thought to be enough to make him a first round pick before his knee injury.
Oh, and there’s this from November 2012 when the Chiefs were on their way to the number one overall pick.
“@CoachCox8100: @TonyDungy who should chiefs take with first or 2nd pick in the draft?” I would take Georgia QB Aaron Murray if he comes out
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) November 19, 2012
If the Chiefs think Murray can be a franchise quarterback for them then they need to take him, no question.