Can Kyler Murray truly withstand the physical punishment of the NFL?

Feb 28, 2019, 7:42 PM Updated: Mar 1, 2019, 7:48 am

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NFL hopeful Kyler Murray, by many accounts including “Pritchard and Cecil” co-host Cecil Lammey, may have sealed the No. 1-overall selection in this upcoming NFL Draft by simply measuring in at 5-foot-10 1/4 and 207 pounds at the Scouting Combine on Thursday.

But Murray’s playing weight isn’t likely to be that high, with 104.3 The Fan’s Orlando Franklin saying it could hover more about 190 to 195 pounds, which is a cause for concern about his ability to stay healthy long-term.

“Right now, I look at Kyler Murray and things might change. He might get into the league and have a 15-year career, a 20-year career. And that would be awesome if he does that,” Franklin said Thursday. “But right now, with his body frame, with the measurables that I saw today, I’m thinking it’s probably going to be more like five, six years before his body really starts to break down.”

And Murray’s weight and height stood in stark comparison, said “The Drive” co-host DMac, to fellow quarterback prospect Dwayne Haskins, who measured at 6-foot-3 and 231 pounds.

“I don’t know with Kyler Murray. Who’s that team going to be? You know what, it wouldn’t be me,” DMac said.

Franklin agreed, saying there’s going to be a steep learning curve for Murray as well in terms of protecting himself from unnecessary hits.

“Right now it’s like 2012 with Peyton Manning when he comes off all the surgeries. Can this guy really handle a hit?” Franklin said. “Whatever team drafts Kyler Murray in this year’s draft, that’s what you’ve got to think. Is he going to be able to handle a hit and be able to jump back up and do it again?”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.