The Arizona Cardinals expected quarterback Kyler Murray to build on his solid rookie season and take a big step forward in development. He did.
He led the Cardinals within a game of the postseason, had nearly 4,000 passing yards, more than 800 rushing yards and had 37 total touchdowns.
According to NFL.com’s quarterback rankings, he is a top-10 quarterback in the league, coming in at No. 10.
In Year 2, Kyler really showed us what he can do with his legs — the guy just moves differently — but he still has plenty of room for improvement as a traditional passer. This is a tantalizing/terrifying thought, depending on your rooting interests.
At a glance, this is reasonable. In fact, the top seven players make perfect sense — Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson.
the next four are worth debating. Murray isn’t the quarterback that the first six are, but Ryan Tannehill and Justin Herbert are ranked ahead of Murray.
Tannehill has been fantastic the last two seasons. Herbert looks incredibly promising as a passer. But who around the league would take Tannehill over Murray?
Herbert is different. What he did his rookie season might lead teams to take him over Murray, but Herbert wasn’t even the first quarterback chosen in the draft last year.
Murray deserves to be in the 8-10 range. I just personally would have him at eight rather than 10. It is picking nits but he has accomplished more and has a higher ceiling than both Tannehill and Herbert.
[vertical-gallery id=449015]
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
Latest show:
Previous shows:
and