2019 NFL Draft: 5 Teams that should draft Kyler Murray in first round
3. New England Patriots
I imagine Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could find some creative uses for Kyler Murray as he sits and learns behind arguably the greatest QB of all time in Tom Brady. There’s probably not a better fit for Murray than joining a first-class organization like the Patriots.
New England was once again doubted and counted out several times throughout the 2018 season. Tom Brady was washed, the Patriots roster lacked the talent to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and their long running dominance of the AFC was coming to its conclusion. They were a popular upset pick in the Divisional Round of the AFC playoffs this week against the Chargers.
Instead, as they often have done, the Pats quieted the doubters with a surgical dismantling of the Chargers in Foxboro to clinch their eighth straight trip to the AFC Championship Game. They’ve played in back-to-back Super Bowls and will be looking for a third straight Super Bowl appearance against the Chiefs in Kansas City on Sunday.
Rumors of their demise were greatly exaggerated, but regardless of how he continues to defy it, father time is undefeated and will eventually catch up to Tom Brady. Brady turns 42 in August, and while he still plans to play for a few more seasons, it would be wise of New England to begin their preparations for the future.
They traded Jimmy Garoppolo during the 2017 season to the 49ers, leaving them without a QB of the future. Current backup Brian Hoyer has already flamed out as a starter in Houston, and isn’t likely to get another shot with the Patriots, barring an apocalyptic scenario.
Drafting Kyler Murray would help the Patriots in two ways:
First, they’re in desperate need of some more offensive weapons. The idea of Murray changing positions has yet to be broached, and shouldn’t be because he’s an excellent quarterback, but he could undoubtedly carve out a role in some packages designed to take advantage of his skills while he waits for his turn in the spotlight.
Secondly, Murray could be the heir-apparent to Brady, providing the Patriots with a plan once he retires.
New England has some pressing needs, namely boosting their pedestrian pass rush, that could ultimately take them out of the Murray sweepstakes. They’re also going to select no higher than No. 29 overall, which could ultimately be far too low to nab Murray to begin with.
If Belichick does covet Murray, this could present the rare occasion where he decides to make a move up the draft boards in order to select him. With several areas of need in this class, however, would New England sacrifice other draft capital in order to select a player who won’t make a big impact for at least a couple of years?