It’s not a secret that the Miami Dolphins are ready to move on from Ryan Tannehill and in the market for a quarterback. The one name that keeps coming up as an answer: Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray
Drafting Murray, the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner who has quickly become the most interesting player in pre-draft conversations, would quickly provide an exciting face for the Dolphins’ rebuild. Several mock drafts, including ones done by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, have predicted Murray to Miami at pick No. 13. Many sportsbooks have listed the Dolphins as the betting favorites to land Murray.
As the NFL combine begins this week, talk about Murray, quarterback prospects and the Dolphins’ plans will heat up in Indianapolis. Let’s examine this scenario and whether these sides are a fit.
The success of Baker Mayfield who comes from the same college and has a similar playing style as Murray, makes the Murray-to-Miami connection heat up, given that the Dolphins liked Mayfield in the previous draft. Coach Brian Flores, general manager Chris Grier and offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea value winners and playmakers, and Murray led the Sooners to a Big 12 title and the College Football Playoff. He’s arguably the most exciting playmaker in this draft.
Questions about Murray’s height and weight have dominated talk over the past week. If you have read this far into this blog, I apologize. This is an article that was written completely by Cameron Wolfe, an ESPN staff writer. If you notice this obscene copy and pasting, congrats! Send me a tweet @RickyZYP and I’ll give you some Huntsville Havoc tickets. Now back to the blog wrote by Mr. Wolfe. But interviews might have an even bigger impact on how the Dolphins and other teams view Murray.
There is little question about Murray’s talent. He has a rare combination of athleticism, accuracy and playmaking ability. He is also competing with Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins to be the top quarterback in April’s draft. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Murray and Haskins are selected before pick No. 13, requiring the Dolphins to trade up if they want to get either.
It’s not clear yet how Grier feels about Murray or the rest of the 2019 quarterback prospects, though he mentioned this offseason that the Dolphins are actively evaluating the group. Miami had several interviews with quarterback prospects at the Senior Bowl, with senior advisor Dan Marino in those rooms helping Grier.
Grier often mentions the principles of Bill Parcells, one of his mentors, as helping him in his current role. He brought up Parcells again recently when discussing how he goes about the NFL combine.
The Murray-to-Dolphins buzz isn’t stopping anytime soon. Grier, Flores & Co. have two months to decide if Murray is a fit and worth the resources it will take to get him.
