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Detroit Lions should draft the quarterback who’s like Barry Sanders

By James F. Puzzuoli

DETROIT - DECEMBER 23: Barry Sanders smiles from the sideline during the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions on December 23, 2007 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo byGregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT - DECEMBER 23: Barry Sanders smiles from the sideline during the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions on December 23, 2007 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo byGregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

LIKE BARRY SANDERS

On Friday’s episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd (02-15-19), host Colin Cowherd spoke with University of Oklahoma head football coach Lincoln Riley. Specifically, Colin asked whether or not quarterback Kyler Murray could hold up to the rigors of the NFL, despite his small stature.

Riley’s answer involved a very intriguing name:

"“Athletically, there’s no comparison to (Kyler Murray). This is like Barry Sanders running with the football as a quarterback. I’m not saying he’s as good a runner as Barry Sanders. A guy that has elite speed, elite quickness, and has a feel for not taking big hits when he runs."

Riley certainly walked back the Barry Sanders comparison: not Murray or anyone ever has been able to “dodge, dip, dive, duck, and dodge” like Barry Sanders could. Wait? That might be from the 2004 film “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.” Well, the quote still works.

But Riley’s point is the way that Murray avoids tacklers just enough to keep from taking major hits. A gifted athlete that can buy time in the pocket, and be a threat with both his arm and his legs. Sounds a bit like the reigning MVP for the Kansas City Chiefs in young quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Should the Detroit Lions take a chance on that? If they did, what would be the biggest story during the draft? During the season? And most importantly – how big would this story be if Murray could turn this team around?

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