Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins was considered to be the top prospect at the position in this year’s NFL draft but some think Kyler Murray may be now.
When Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins declared for the NFL draft it was widely thought he would be the first signal caller taken. Then Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray said he was considering playing professional football instead of baseball and the debate over which quarterback should be chosen first began.
Now that it has been widely reported Murray has decided to commit to an NFL career, how high he should be drafted is already being discussed in earnest. Anybody with a TV, radio or access to the internet is probably aware of that by now.
Haskins and Murray both have big arms, are accurate passers and proven winners. But there are certainly differences between the two.
Haskins is listed at 6-3, 220 pounds and is primarily a pocket passer as his stats will indicate.
In his one year as a starter, Haskins completed 70 percent of his passes for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns. He rushed 79 times for 108 yards (1.4 ypc) and 4 touchdowns. Haskins can tuck the ball and run when necessary but would rather find a receiver or running back to drop the ball off to when a play breaks down.
Kyler Murray stands 5-10 and weighs 195 pounds and is an outstanding dual threat quarterback. He can use his legs to extend plays or take off running for a big gain.
He completed 69 percent of his passes for 4,361 yards and 42 touchdowns last season. Murray carried the ball 140 times for 1,001 yards (7.2 ypc) and 12 touchdowns.
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In another era the choice between the two quarterbacks would be simple. Nearly every NFL general manager would have preferred the bigger pocket passer. However, the success of two pro quarterbacks have changed how Murray’s potential is perceived.
Russell Wilson is said to be about the same height as Murray and he is an outstanding passer who can make plays with his legs as well. Wilson has had plenty of success in the NFL and wears a Super Bowl ring.
Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield proved he was worthy of being drafted No. 1 overall last year and Murray was even more effective in Lincoln Riley’s offense than he was. General managers may think they can catch lightning in a bottle like the Browns did.
There will be plenty of discussion about which of these two quarterbacks should be the first off the board leading up to draft day. And if both perform well at the NFL Combine, those discussions will heat up even more.