Breaking Down The Kansas City Chiefs Draft Picks

Sep 28, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray (11) scrambles on a pass play in the first half against the LSU Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Murray – QB – Georgia – 6’1″ – 207 lbs

John Dorsey and Andy Reid added a possible developmental young quarterback in Georgia’s Aaron Murray. Murray was expected to go earlier before an injury took him out of most of the pre-draft evaluation process.

The Pros:

Murray was a four year starter in the best conference in college football. He has good leadership traits, good accuracy, a quick release, and good athleticism. He passed for over 3,000 yards all four years and is the conference leader in both passing yards and TDs. Murray’s best trait may be his ability to read defenses and keep his eyes down field. He’s safe with the football and doesn’t throw a lot of risky balls. Murray possesses a lot of qualities that would appeal to Andy Reid and would work in his West Coast Offense. Getting a player like that in the 5th round is good value.

The Cons:

Murray is too small by NFL QB standards. While people like to point to Drew Brees and Russell Wilson as QBs that buck that stereo type, the fact is that the stereo type exists because most QBs that size don’t work out. In addition, Murray does not have a NFL caliber arm either. His deep ball is lacking and he will have to make a living off of accurate short to mid depth passes.

Final Thoughts:

I love the pick and don’t see how anyone could have a major problem with it. Murray seems to fit the Alex Smith/Chase Daniel mold of QB that Andy Reid is looking for. If Reid is able to coach him up, KC could have drafted a future starter in the 5th round. There’s also the possibility that Reid is able to build enough buzz around Murray over a couple of seasons that KC is able to trade him for an even higher pick than they spent on him. If Murray never develops into a starter and is a career backup, a 5th round pick was a small price to pay. There is little risk and considerable upside.