Murray’s height and the size of his hands were the hottest topics surrounding the league’s annual prospect showcase. Physically speaking, it compares favorably to Russell Wilsonwho is 5-10⅝ and 204 pounds.
Matt Ryan, Andy Dalton, Robert Griffin, Sam Bradford, Mitch TrubiskyAnd Lamar Jackson all had a hand size of 9½ when measured at the Combine.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden said Thursday he didn’t know what all the fuss was about Murray’s physical stature.
“I don’t know what the physical concerns are. Are you talking about the height? I think it’s been proven that it’s not as much of a factor as it was years ago,” he said. “If you ask Russell Wilson or (Drew) Breesor the kid from Cleveland (Mayfield Baker), I don’t know if it’s a real impact on the position or performance.”
Gruden, who echoed his general manager’s sentiments, Mike Mayocksaying Derek Carr is Oakland’s “franchise quarterback,” but he’s clearly done his homework on Murray.
Gruden is convinced that Murray, a first-round draft pick of the Athletics, is all in on football.
“Yes, I believe so,” he said. “My father wrote Bo Jackson, so I asked (Murray) three times, “Are you serious?” Really? Because no one thought Bo would play baseball back then. At least we didn’t do it in Tampa. This is a sensitive issue. Obviously the Oakland A’s drafted him, we’re the Oakland Raiders, so you want to make sure the information you’re gathering is correct.
Gruden, who is armed with three first-round picks, really likes the signal-callers who will be available next month.
“You know, it’s a very interesting (course),” he said. “I had an opportunity, a unique opportunity to coach some really good players at Alabama at the Senior Bowl. The North Carolina State Kid (Ryan Finley) impressed me, I think Daniel Jones Out of Duke has a huge advantage. I think Drew Lock Got a quick release, accurate passer, lots of production. (Dwayne) Haskins we met last night, met Murray last night. It’s a good course. If they get into the right system with the right coach, this could be a great class.
Gruden boosts Brady
Gruden was asked if he thinks pass-happy offenses in the NFL (specifically the Chiefs, Rams and Saints) are just a fad or could they continue to thrive and compete for championships . In his response, he complimented Tom Brady’s path.
“I think so. I think you can. The guy from New England can still throw it too,” he said. “You have to be able, I think, to run the ball in situations keys, running out of time at the end of the match. You have to be able to convert certain third-and-1s, certain situations on the goal line. You have to set up play-action passes.
“Brady proved it. They had the best play action in all of football. But I think so, to answer your question. With the way the passing game is going today with all the RPOs, I think you can go all the way with a great passing attack.
Witten leaves the stand
While That of Jason Witten Returning to the Cowboys received a lot of attention after he ended his retirement after just one season in the broadcast booth, another tight end also attracted some when Martellus Bennett tweeted a funny video to Rob Gronkowski during training. “I heard it was the year of the comeback. Yo, Bill (Belichick), yo, Tom, hello to your boy. . . Wait Gronk, your boy is on his way, Gronk!” Bennett said, sweating and smiling. . . Given his experience in television, Gruden was asked about his thoughts on expanding reruns. He flashed his best half-sneer, half-Chucky grin and said, “I have no interest in extending the replay. I have every interest in eliminating reruns, but that’s for another day.” . Among the players who reported having meetings with the Patriots were the running backs Right hand
Williams (Notre-Dame) and Tony Pollard (Memphis). . . Boise State QB Brett Rypien said he “modeled his game” after Brady. . . Jim Whalen of the Patriots was named NFL Outstanding Athletic Trainer of the Year by the NFL Physicians Society.
Jim McBride can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride.
