NFL experts tout rookie Murray as star for years to come
Jul 9, 2019, 3:08 PM | Updated: 4:01 pm
AP Player of the Year Award? Check. Heisman Trophy winner? Check. Offensive Rookie of the Year award? Very likely.
While Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has mounting pressure heading into his rookie year, multiple NFL writers around the country feel that the former Sooner will rake in the awards following his first season.
ESPN’s NFL experts debated who would be a star for more than five years. Overwhelmingly, the panel leaned towards Murray.
Mike Clay, ESPN Fantasy writer, pointed to Murray’s ability to be a dual-threat quarterback despite his size.
“Murray is undersized, but his absurd combination of efficiency and production as both a passer and rusher makes him a perfect fit for the modern NFL.”
Dan Graziano, national NFL writer, said there’s no reason why it couldn’t be Murray.
“No one has the star potential Murray has, with his multidimensional talents entering the league at a time when it’s all set up for quarterbacks to be superstars.”
Coming out of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Cardinals were criticized for their risky choice in Murray with the number one pick. Jason Reid, The Undefeated senior writer, said that with all the right tools, we’ll be talking about a different story five years down the line.
“We’ll look back and praise the Cardinals for getting it right.”
Other experts pointed towards Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams or 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa as the stars of tomorrow.
While countless rookies in the 2019 NFL draft class could go on to be stars of tomorrow, only a few will be recognized for possibly breaking out in their rookie season.
According to Lance Zierlein, NFL Media draft analyst, Murray is a shoo-in to take home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is the only quarterback to receive the honor over the past six years. In the past 12 seasons, an NFC rookie has been the one to take home the honor.
The last time an Arizona player took home the honor was in 2003 when Anquan Boldin received the accolade. During his season, the Cardinals went 4-12, but the rookie wide receiver had eight touchdowns and 1,377 receiving yards.
The Cardinals offense still has a lot of question marks between Murray, first year head coach Kliff Kingsbury and the offensive line as a whole. If all the parts come together, Murray could have a good shot of proving the experts right.