Aaron Murray

Despite former Indianapolis Colts' head coach Tony Dungy's assertion that Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray could have been the top-rated passer in the 2013 NFL draft, scouts weren't quite so sure. Unfortunately, a torn ACL suffered late in his senior season likely ended any chance that Murray will be the first passer selected in 2014. Over his four seasons as a starter in Athens, Murray certainly has shown many of the traits scouts are looking for in a potential franchise quarterback -- including arm talent, toughness and intelligence. Fair or not, among the primary reservations talent evaluators had about Murray was the perception that he'd struggled in big moments against top competition. Prior to his knee injury November 25 against Kentucky, however, Murray had shown remarkable poise during his senior campaign, guiding the Bulldogs to impressive wins against South Carolina, LSU and in overtime on the road against Tennessee. Murray's production against SEC competition speaks for itself. He completed 62.3 percent of his passes over his career for 13,166 yards and nearly three times as many touchdowns (121) as interceptions (41) in a pro-style offense. Further, he expressed confidence when interviewed at the Senior Bowl that he'd be ready to throw at Georgia's Pro Day. With 23 NFL teams represented, Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley, Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson and several others were in attendance to see Murray perform at his April 26 pro day. Despite wearing a knee brace, Murray said he felt "no limitations." At a hair under 6-1 and 207 pounds, Murray doesn't have the size NFL teams covet at the position, but similar to Russell Wilson, he grades above average with his mental development and natural intangibles to run an offense. He leaves Georgia as the most accomplished passer in school history, running a traditional under-center, pro-style offense with a lot of I-formation and NFL throws.

while there are plenty of positives to note when discussing murray, one obvious concern is his lack of preferred size. the success of drew brees and russell wilson proves that shorter quarterbacks can be successful in the nfl. the greatest concern with short quarterbacks is their ability to see beyond the behemoths at the line of scrimmage and too many of murray's passes over his career have been knocked down at the line of scrimmage.

Durability is also an added concern with smaller quarterbacks. Brees and Wilson each also possess stouter frames than Murray. He's also coming off of the torn ACL. Murray worked out in front of 23 NFL teams at his pro day, and said he felt "no limitations" despite wearing a knee brace.

he has starred in a pro-style offense for four seasons against elite competition and showed the mettle under fire as a senior to handle the leadership duties expected of a franchise field general.

WEAKNESSES

strengths

As one might expect given his playing time, Murray does many of the little things well. He has a quick set-up and delivery. He throws a tight spiral and is creative in the pocket, showing the ability to slide and re-set, as well as deliver passes from a variety of arm slots. He throws deep passes with velocity and good trajectory and can attack down the seam with excellent touch, as well.

compares to

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals - Just as Dalton did in guiding TCU to a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin, Murray answered critics of his poise with several impressive wins as a senior. Only an inch shorter than the 6-2, 220-pound Dalton and possessing at least as much arm talent, Murray could emerge as a quality starter in the NFL but might need talent around him to take his team to the Promised Land.

Plant, coached by Robert Weiner

Parade Magazine All-America

U.S. Army All-American

SuperPrep All-America and All-Dixie teams

PrepStar Top 100 Dream Team

MVP at EA Sports Elite 11 Camp

ESPN.com No. 13 ESPNU 150 list

Scout.com No. 3 quarterback in the nation, #4 prospect in Florida, #8 in the South, #21 in the nation

Rivals #3 QB in the nation, #7 overall prospect in Florida, #46 overall nationally, #6 Florida Preseason Top 100. Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100

Suffered a broken fibula early in the 2008 season, but finished with 1,927 yards passing with 33 touchdowns and four interceptions and rushed for 257 yards and two touchdowns

Returned to record 344 yards passing and three touchdowns while leading his team to the 2008 Class AAAA state championship (Plant's second state title in three years)

passed for 4,013 yards and 51 touchdowns with seven interceptions as a junior while also rushing for 932 yards and 12 touchdowns

Mr. Football Award winner as a junior and First Team All-State

Set a Hillsborough County record for most passing touchdowns in a career (84).

Brother of former Bulldog walk-on safety Josh Murray; Born: Nov. 10, 1990; Major: Psychology.