Kansas City Chiefs 2014 Draft Recap: Fan Grade Poll

Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

In the 5th round (no. 163 overall), the Chiefs took University of Georgia Quarterback Aaron Murray. Murray enjoyed a stellar career in the SEC, passing for 13,166 yards  and 121 TDs in nearly 4 years as a starter. Both of those marks are SEC records.

NFL.com claims the 6-1 207 Aaron Murray is both undersized and lacks arm strength by NFL standards, while saying that Murray is known for his great instincts and love for the game. That leadership was a big reason for the pick. Kansas City Chiefs Assistant Director of College Scouting Dom Green talked to KCChiefs.com’s Reid Ferrin about Murray’s ability as a leader.

"“We’re really excited about  this pick,” Green said. “Aaron is a phenomenal leader, there at Georgia, a four-year starter and he’s the type of guy who his teammates rally around and gravitate towards, just an overall very-competitive player. “"

Many compare him to New Orleans Saints great Drew Brees because of similar size and ability to understand what is happening on the football field, but Murray lacks Brees arm strength.

It is interesting to note, however, that Aaron Rodgers developed his arm strength through exercise while sitting behind Brett Favre for three years in Green Bay. Chiefs GM John Dorsey has to be aware of Rodgers transformation since he was the personnel director in Green Bay during that time.

Murray is expected to compete with last year’s UFA quarterback Tyler Bray, who possesses ideal measurables at 6-5 with a cannon for an arm. Bray an Murray will likely lock up in a death struggle for the no. 3 job in Kansas City and will form an interesting contrast due to their conflicting strengths.

I like the pick, because the Bray/Murray battle for survival is likely to bring out the best in both QBs.

Murray, however, did suffer a torn ACL last season. The Chiefs could put him on injured reserve in order to keep all four QB’s on the roster.

Aaron Murray’s accuracy and smarts seem like a perfect fit for a west coast offense. His intangibles, savvy, and being a draft pick should give him the edge over Bray, who has been dogged by questions about his off-the-field behavior his entire career.

Andy Reid and John Dorsey have continued their habit of drafting late-round developmental quarterbacks which they will then try to flip for valuable picks after working with them for a few years.