QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma*

5’10” – 195 lbs.
Father was also a college quarterback. Five-star recruit who originally attended Texas A&M (his father’s alma mater), passing for 686 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions (59.5%, 5.7), eventually winning the starting job from Kyle Allen. Transferred and sat out the 2016 season, then backed up Baker Mayfield before taking over the starting job this past season and throwing for 4,361 yards, 42 touchdowns, and seven interceptions (69.0%, 11.6 YPA) while rushing for 140-1,001-12 en route to the Heisman Trophy. Was recently drafted ninth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Oakland A’s. Played this past season in Lincoln Riley’s brilliant, modified Air Raid offense; quarterbacks operate out of the shotgun and get complementary high-to-low route patterns to read such as smash, sail, mesh, verticals, etc., allowing them to go through two or three progressions on the same side of the field. Well below the typical size of a pro quarterback, although Baker Mayfield’s success this past season after coming from the same program will likely incline many teams to overlook his small stature. Good decision-maker who’s able to scan the field and identify targets; will have an advantage over other rookie quarterbacks because of his extensive experience going through progressions prior to being drafted. Able to manipulate safeties with his eyes. Has a quick release and good ball placement to all three levels, facilitating yards after the catch by allowing his targets to catch passes in stride. Throws a tight spiral with pretty solid velocity, demonstrating the ability to push throws downfield or complete passes toward the sidelines. However, arm strength and accuracy can be sapped by poor mechanics below the waist. Attempts too many throws off of his back foot and/or from a narrow base, causing passes to fall short of their target or hang in the air too long. Dynamic athlete who was schemed a lot of run-pass options in order to take advantage of his ability to run, averaging roughly ten attempts per game; punishes defenses when he’s able to suck in the read man and get outside the containment. Able to escape from pressure and flee the pocket to buy time or pick up first-downs. Capable of making throws on the run without resetting his feet. Flags the ball when he scrambles, although he only fumbled three times last season. Having made a pre-draft commitment to football after initially cultivating an air of mystery, looks like he might go as high as number one overall.