Murray has rushing upside and improved Vikings environment but faces McCarthy competition

Murray checks three key boxes for late-round QB upside: (1) rushing upside—he averaged his most rushing yards per game (34.6) since his ACL injury in 2025, with 8.5 yards per scramble ranking eighth among QBs and ahead of Patrick Mahomes and Jaxson Dart; (2) improved offensive environment—Minnesota finished 13th in Supporting Cast Rating with QB whisperer Kevin O'Connell, a major upgrade from Arizona's 28th-ranked cast in 2025; (3) dangerous dual-threat profile. Despite a rough 2025 season, advanced stats showed promise: EPA per dropback (+0.06, 15th) outpaced Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, and Justin Herbert, while his PFF passing grade (69.5, tied 22nd) cleared Lamar Jackson, Daniel Jones, and Baker Mayfield. Ian Hartitz ranks him QB17 (pick 121) while ESPN has QB18 (157.6) and Sleeper QB20 (143.6). Murray still posted five top-5 fantasy weeks in the last two seasons, matching Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence. Risk: J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings and Murray's shorter leash due to his 5-foot-10 frame.