Kliff Kingsbury: Cardinals still gathering info for No. 1 NFL Draft pick

New day, same ol’ story coming directly from leaders of the Arizona Cardinals.

Like it was last month, last week and yesterday, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said the franchise doesn’t yet know who it will pick No. 1 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. In a scrum of reporters at the NFL’s owners meetings Tuesday, the first-year Cardinals coach admitted every word he speaks on the No. 1 pick is being parsed.

“I don’t feel that way, I know that,” he told reporters. “But you know, I know y’all get tired of hearing it: We’re no closer to a decision than the last time we spoke. It’s just you got to get all the information, you got to meet all the players and then come up with the best answer you can come up with.”

Kingsbury on Tuesday used the media gathering to defend current Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen. He also discussed quarterback prospect Kyler Murray and a few other potential No. 1 picks.

Kingsbury on Rosen: Lots of misperception that Rosen doesn’t fit my system. Has talked to Rosen, reminding him that with first pick there is always “tons of chatter.” Whether you are coach or QB in this league, “have to have thick skin.”

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) March 26, 2019

Kingsbury on Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams: “they’re can’t-miss prospects when you watch the film.”

— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) March 26, 2019

But of course, Kingsbury’s media session was peppered with questions about Murray, the Oklahoma product who won the Heisman Trophy after he threw for 4,361 yards and 42 touchdowns to seven interceptions last season, adding 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

“I guess it’s more, ‘What don’t you like?'” said Kingsbury, the former Texas Tech head coach who recruited Murray out of high school. “When you watch him play, he can run it, he can throw it. You know, he’s a competitor.

“He was one of the better Texas high school players to come through our state. I don’t know if there’s one thing you can pinpoint. He’s one of the best dual-threat players to ever play.”

As for reading in between the lines, maybe what’s most clear is Kingsbury and the Cardinals like their several options.

Whether or not Arizona finds an enticing offer to trade out of the top draft slot, the franchise is preparing to make an educated decision.

“You just want to make sure you’re thorough when you have that number one pick, that pick that can change your organization for many years to come,” Kingsbury said. “If you’re not doing all your due diligence possible, then I think it’s a mistake.

“I know (GM Steve Keim and president Michael Bidwill) feel the same way. It’s been a very extensive process at the combine and going out and seeing people.”

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