There have been reports that Kliff Kingsbury told some at the NFL Scouting Combine last week that the Arizona Cardinals selecting former Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray was a "done deal." The Cardinals head coach was asked about the reports during a podcast this week on the team's website and denied the rumors while stating that no decision has been made yet.
Kingsbury was asked if he returned from the Combine knowing who the Cardinals will select with the No. 1 pick.
"No," he responded. "It's 50 days out, so I don't think any of us have a clue, at this point. But it's fun to hear how I've said I do (know) and that it is a done deal and all those things. So you just roll with it, enjoy this process."
The rumors ignited when Kim Jones of NFL Network and Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reported buzz from Indianapolis that most were starting to believe that the Cardinals would use the top pick on Murray.
Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst later reported that Kingsbury told multiple people that Arizona is selecting Murray No. 1.
"Adding fuel to the Murray fire, Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury was telling people last night that it's a 'done deal' the Cardinals will select the Oklahoma Sooners quarterback with the first pick of the draft," wrote Pauline.
Kingsbury insists that is not the case.
"Yeah, just rolling around Indy saying it's a done deal," he said sarcastically. "I would have to adamantly deny that. But that's what's reported, so it's got to be true."
Kingsbury admits that owning the No. 1 overall pick is an interesting situation to be in.
"It makes it fun having the first pick because nobody knows if you are trying to throw smokescreens or telling the truth or what," he added. "There are a thousand different ways you can go with this, and we are still 50 days away."
The San Francisco 49ers are likely very interested in what the Kingsbury and the Cardinals do at No. 1 because they own the next pick. Without a need at quarterback, the 49ers would be able to select the top player on their draft board or be presented with better trade-down options should the Cardinals go with Murray.
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