There has been a lot of discussion this offseason about the role a franchise quarterback has in shaping his team. It's a subject in Green Bay, where Aaron Rodgers would really, really like the Packers to find him another good wide receiver. It's a subject in Seattle, where Russell Wilson wants to know why the Seahawks don't get better offensive linemen, or why they scaled back on a high-flying passing offense.
Those are extreme examples. Kyler Murray hasn't been disgruntled in any way. But during an appearance on "Good Morning Football" Tuesday, Murray was asked if he might have some input on what the Cardinals do in the draft this week. After all, Kyler stumped (at least a little) for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb a year ago, before the Cards ultimately drafted linebacker Isaiah Simmons.
"Playing quarterback, I know how crucial defense is in getting stops like that, but as far as the question goes, I do believe I think I have an influence in it," Murray said. "I don't know why I wouldn't. If you've got a guy at quarterback and you trust him and you want to be the face of the franchise for a lot of years, I think he should have an influence. Just because everything is built around the quarterback. I think I have that relationship with Steve (Keim) and Kliff (Kingsbury) and I'm excited to see what we do on Thursday."
Picking 16th, the Cardinals have a ton of directions they could go. Maybe a stud wide receiver slips to them, or a stud cornerback, or maybe the Cards grab an interior offensive lineman to beef up what Murray has protecting him. Kyler has made rumblings about building the offensive line this offseason, at least on social media, but then the Cards re-signed Kelvin Beachum, traded for Rodney Hudson and signed Brian Winters as a free agent.
Murray was also asked if he would go out on a limb and basically say the season was Super Bowl or bust. It's a loaded question for sure, but Murray answered it (in my opinion) the best way possible.
"If you're not playing for the Super Bowl then what are we playing for? That's my mindset," Murray said,
"If we're not talking about the Super Bowl, I don't even want you on my team."
