FS1’s Nick Wright Unveils Kyler Murray’s NFL QB Tier Ranking

Naturally, as a big Kansas City fan, and as the segment is named, he listed Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes atop the mountain. Part of the bit, but Patrick Mahomes is coming off of a torn ACL and LCL in his knee from the 2025 season. Likely more of being part of the segment than an actual ranking of how these NFL arms rank going into the season.

Nick ranked Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray in the same tier row with Bo Nix, Jayden Daniels, Brock Purdy, C.J. Stroud, and Daniel Jones. That placement sat just below Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud. Kyler Murray ranked as the number 20th quarterback just ahead of Daniel Jones. Wright offered the same skepticism most have about Kyler Murray, but noted the potential with the offensive weapons.

With the Minnesota Vikings naming Kyler Murray the starter in Week 1 against the Packers, he will have some doubters. He absolutely should, too. Kyler was benched in favor of quarterback journeyman Jacoby Brissett, who was instead released, as the Cardinals still pay the majority of his salary at $35.5 million. Murray landed in Minnesota on a veteran minimum deal and had to go through a training camp QB competition. Named the starter over the young previous starter, J.J. McCarthy, Murray is out on a redemption tour. He should have a chip on his shoulder and be motivated in a contract year.

He inherits weapons such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson. He has a receiving running back in Aaron Jones and a tough change-of-pace back in Jordan Mason. The offensive line lends the recipe for success on paper. Pro Bowl tackles and above-average guards should give Murray the protection he needs to adapt to the Vikings system.

Perhaps, but for Kyler Murray he needs to focus on chemistry with his weapons like Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison early. Sam won over the team on his way to a great season. Kyler can do that too. Winning is a key part of that. In order to do just that and ascend higher on Nick Wright’s “Mahomes Mountain”, he will need to have some levels of success before Minnesota’s Week 6 bye. Before the bye, Murray will face home games against Green Bay and Miami and road games at Chicago, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans.

Murray’s reputation has long been tied to splashy plays mixed with costly mistakes that can be frustrating. He needs to find consistency. Murray hasn’t had the level of coaching or playmakers as the Vikings have in his career. Taking snaps under center, completing a high percentage of passes, and limiting turnovers would immediately help him climb future rankings. The Packers and Bears present early pressure tests.

Murray does not need to force hero throws. He has a defense that will keep him in games. The running game, which has looked good in training camp and preseason, may also help. Murray’s mobility remains a strength, but it has also contributed to past injuries and can’t be ignored as a reason he misses time. He missed time due to injury in 4 of the last 5 seasons. You have heard the saying that the best ability is availability. For the Vikings and Kyler Murray, that saying definitely applies. They need him on the field.

The goal is to play all five games healthy, run both under center and shotgun, and get off to a 4-1 or better start. A tough schedule and patch of games await Minnesota after the bye. Starting fast with wins will be paramount to a playoff run.

Nick Wright’s quarterback tier mountain rewards quarterbacks who win games for their teams. Five clean, productive weeks would move Murray up the mountain.

Does Murray or the Vikings care about what Nick Wright thinks?

Not at all.

If he is climbing the mountain, it is probably because Murray is doing what it takes to make the Vikings a winner. The Vikings did not bring Murray in as a game manager. He has special talents and abilities as a two-time Pro Bowler and former Rookie of the Year. They added him because their offense has elite weapons, and they think he’s a good fit.

These first five games are Murray’s chance for fans to see their new quarterback prove he belongs. Even though Murray’s position on Wright’s mountain is insignificant, a climb indicates the Vikings are ascending as a viable playoff contender.