Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma #1

5101, 207, 4.45

Notes: From Allen, TX. His father, Kevin Murray was a quarterback at Texas A&M from 1983-86 and was also inducted into Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. Played in 8 games and made 3 starts at quarterback as a freshman at Texas A&M, completing 72-of-121 passes (59.5%) for 686 yards, 5 touchdowns, 7 interceptions and rushing for 335 yards and 1 TD on 53 carries (6.3 avg.) in 2015. Transferred to the Sooners in 2016, practiced with the team but did not play per NCAA transfer rules. Played in 7 games and made 1 start playing behind Baker Mayfield, completing 18-of-21 passes (85.7%) for 359 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT and rushed 14-142 (10.1 avg.) in 2017. Played in 14 games, starting 13 (suspended for first offensive series vs. Baylor), completed 260-of-377 passes (69.0%) for 4,361 yards, 42 TD, 7 INT and rushed 140-1,001-12 (7.2 avg.) in 2018. An outfielder on the OU baseball team, he was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Oakland A’s. Started 50 of 51 games for the Sooners in 2018 and hit .296 with 10 home runs, 13 doubles, 47 RBI, 46 runs and 10 stolen bases.

Positives: Rare mobility and quickness to scramble and buy time with his feet. Dangerous runner when he chooses to take off but doesn’t look to run first. Can really stress a defense with his open-field running ability and a threat to score anytime he takes off. Very slippery. Shows very good judgement about avoiding hits as a runner. Knows when to slide Keeps his eyes downfield and can throw on the move with accuracy and touch. Beautiful ball placement on short-and-intermediate passes, giving his receiver the opportunity to run through the ball after the catch. Impressive arm talent. Makes some incredible, pinpoint throws, including deep downfield. Can zip the ball. Looks off primary target effectively to hold defenders. Processes things quickly. Spreads the ball around nicely and can make throws to all areas of the field. Very effective ball handler and play-action passer. Poised and self-confident. Natural leader; almost like a point guard running the team.

Negatives: Very short for the position. Needs to move around and find passing lanes which can disrupt timing of some plays. Occasionally off target or throws into coverage. Needs to improve his anticipation of receivers and can be late delivering the ball at times. Can be inconsistent with his base and footwork, which can lead to timing and accuracy issues.

Summary: Very unique talent with obvious size limitations, but has the tools to be an even more athletic Russell Wilson-type quarterback in the NFL.