Projecting Kyler Murray's pro potential

[Editor's Note: This story was originally published on December 15, before Kyler Murray opted to enter the NFL draft.]

As news broke that Kyler Murray would reportedly enter the 2019 NFL Draft, the question of his NFL potential started to postulate. Opinions began to flow on a multitude of topics: from questions about his stature (listed at 5-foot-10), to his arm strength, to his skills outside the pocket. We here at PFF grade every player, in every game, on every play, and with such, can offer a distinctly unique view on the latter two topics.

When it comes to projecting Murray’s NFL Potential, we here at PFF see a game-changing player at the quarterback position that can keep plays alive and change the face of an NFL franchise. Senior analysts Steve Palazzolo and Zac Robinson discuss Kyler Murray’s pro potential in-depth above.

Looking at the numbers, Murray's 2018 season jumps off the page: 42 touchdowns, 11.6 yards per attempt, 143.9 passer rating when clean and a 94.7 overall grade. He finished the season as highest-graded overall quarterback and the second highest-graded runner among quarterbacks with an 85.0 rushing grade. He posted a 143.9 passer rating while clean, narrowly edging out Tua Tagovailoa and tossed 36 touchdowns. He showed his touch on the deep pass as well, with a 51.9% adjusted completion percentage on deep attempts (20-plus yards). The Heisman Trophy winner shined in many facets on the field, but his highlight real came alive when he evaded pressure and escaped the pocket.

Murray had an adjusted completion percentage of 78.7% outside the pocket to go along with a 128.3 passer rating and an 8-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio with six big-time throws to only one turnover-worthy play. When forced to run, Murray was extremely efficient, managing 7.9 yards per attempt on the ground, with 37.7% of his total yards coming on scrambles (which led FBS quarterbacks). When plays broke down and he had to improvise, Murray was able to keep options alive and that is something that is a valued asset in the NFL with the pass-rush becoming a dominant factor in today’s game.

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