Kyler Murray made headlines when he decided to declare for the upcoming 2019 NFL draft. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was drafted by the Oakland Athletics 9th overall in the recent MLB Draft, which is a huge honor. However, being drafted by both the MLB and NFL is no new thing. The Yankees drafted John Elway, the Montreal Expos drafted Tom Brady, Deion Sanders was actually drafted twice by the Yankees and Royals, and even Johnny Manziel was drafted by the San Diego Padres. So this really is nothing new. What makes this case so interesting is the fact that Kyler Murray is not just your reigning Heisman Trophy winner, but was also a first round MLB draft pick AND could potentially be a first round NFL Draft pick. This QB crop is viewed as a weak class.
Many speculate that Kyler Murray will be a second or third round pick. I think he is almost destined to be a Jacksonville Jaguar. It just kind of makes sense that he would end up there, and I think Kyler Murray would have a great career in Jacksonville. Hopefully, their time hasn’t already passed. Murray has a huge decision to make: play in the NFL or the MLB or play in both. It can be done.
If he decides he wants to play one or the other, both have their pros and cons. If he chooses the NFL, he has the potential to end up on a QB needy team that actually isn’t that far off from the postseason. Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington, and Miami Dolphins all could have had better chances at post season play this year if there was a different guy behind the center, and that guy could be Kyler Murray. Many say his height will be a problem; I don’t view that as a problem. Many question his ability to see over the line, which is a credible gripe, but Kyler Murray brings a very dynamic ability to a team when he steps on the field. You put a guy like Kyler Murray on say a Washington team, a team destined for the playoffs before Alex Smith had a gruesome injury, and there could be instant success. The Bucs have had a playoff (maybe Super Bowl) caliber team since Jameis Winston was drafted; Jameis has proven he can play at the elite NFL level, but was not good enough to get his team to the postseason. Kyler Murray could change that. A new face and energy driving them down the field could fix it. Teams like the Jaguars and Dolphins could also work, but hopefully their windows haven’t closed. Even a QB needy team like the Giants that are garbage right now, could be a good landing for Kyler Murray, not right away though. The Giants would need to develop the O-Line first and maybe get more targets besides OBJ and Barkley, but that would be some offense. OBJ, Barkley, and Murray. My lawd.
I think Kyler Murray will need to end up on the right team and situation to be successful in the NFL. The negative in the NFL is you are thrown to the wolves most of the time. Coaches can teach you and develop you, but players are really thrown to the wolves and if you don’t adapt quickly enough, most of the time you are out.
On the flip-side, in the MLB if you can get on the roster you are guaranteed the contract money you sign for, which if you’re Kyler Murray and are successful in your first contract could make a shit ton of money. Some of those MLB contracts are astounding; some go above 100 million dollars. Those players get that fully guaranteed, too, so that is very enticing to think about. A longer playing life is also something to think about. The negative is having to work your way up to the Major’s roster and going through all the farm systems. However, once you make it, you’re gold unless you get hurt. In that case you will be sent down for a short amount of time, but usually most people make it back.
Who knows, he could play both. It has been done before.
Kyler Murray has a huge decision to make, and hopefully whatever he chooses is one he is the most happy with.
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