Kansas City Chiefs: Regrading Each Pick Of The 2014 NFL Draft
By Brett Gering
Round 5, Pick No. 163: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
Aaron Murray’s surgically repaired ACL made him a Day 3 draft pick, but his talent is superior to his fifth-round designation. Former head coach Tony Dungy agrees, claiming that if it weren’t for the passer’s aforementioned injury, he could’ve been the top-rated quarterback of last season’s draft.
@bob_mcclellan @ChaseGoodbread Yes I am a big Aaron Murray fan. I think he's going to be like Russell Wilson.
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) March 17, 2014
At 6’1″, Murray stands just an inch or so taller than Chase Daniel, so lackluster height will always be micro-analyzed when things go awry. Pocket pressure, at times, also derails his normally sound decision-making.
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However, he comes equipped with a quick release, and his arm strength, while not spectacular, is severely underrated. He also has a knack for touch passes, especially back-shoulder fades.
Pros and cons aside, Murray toppled SEC records for career completions, passing yards and touchdown passes. He excelled against the best that college had to offer and did so in a pro-style offense—not a gimmicky offshoot.
It’s still premature to deem him a future starter or backup, but his upside easily warrants the selection.
C+. Murray is a smart, accurate quarterback who checks every box in terms of leadership. From that standpoint, he and Reid make a perfect match. But until he discredits them, questions about his height and durability will continue to hound him.. Aaron Murray. Kansas City Chiefs. OVERALL GRADE