*Kyler Murray – Noteworthy
Could Kyler Murray really become Oklahoma’s second consecutive Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback to go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft? It sure seems to be trending that way. In NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft, Murray is projected to land with the Arizona Cardinals, who have the top pick. That development comes despite Murray not testing at the NFL Combine last week, though he did stand just over 5 feet, 10 inches and more than 200 pounds – which impressed scouts. Former OU quarterback Baker Mayfield went No. 1 to the Browns in 2018. BetOnline.com now gives Murray leading odds to go No. 1, surging past former Ohio State pass rusher Nick Bosa. Murray’s odds are 1/2, while Bosa’s are 3/2, followed by Quinnen Williams (12/1) and Josh Allen (16/1). The NFL Draft’s first round is April 25 in Nashville, Tennessee. Murray will compete in a closed-to-the-public pro day at OU on March 13. – Norman Transcript
*Kyler Murray – Noteworthy
At some point during the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, it was widely assumed the Arizona Cardinals would select Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray No. 1 overall. On Saturday, NFL Network’s Kim Jones said it was “almost universally” believed Murray would be the first player off the board in Nashville, opening the door for the 49ers to draft Ohio State edge rusher Nick Bosa. NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline wrote on Sunday that Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury was telling teams it was a “done deal” Arizona would draft a player he once said should be the top pick.
On Tuesday, Kingsbury said that it is not. “I would have to adamantly deny that,” Kingsbury said on the Kingsbury Chronicle podcast. It’s worth noting that, just last week, Kingsbury was more forceful arguing for the Cardinals to keep 2018 first-round pick Josh Rosen than Arizona general manager Steve Keim was. “We’re big on adapting our offense to our quarterback and our personnel, Kingsbury told reporters at the combine. “We’ve had all types in this system, so I don’t think that is very relevant. He’s a tremendous talent. I feel like he got better as the season went on last year. Showed a lot of mental toughness and competitiveness.” – NBCSports.com
*Kyler Murray – Noteworthy
Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley on Wednesday ripped the criticism of former Sooners quarterback Kyler Murray by a NFL Network analyst. There has been talk that Murray, the Heisman Trophy winner this past season, could go to the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 1 overall pick. The NFL Network’s Charley Casserly, a former executive with the Washington Redskins and Houston Texans, said Murray fared poorly during interviews at the NFL scouting combine, and the responses from his team sources were the “worst comments I ever got on a high-rated quarterback.” “Leadership – not good,” Casserly said. “Study habits – not good. The board work – below not good. Not good at all in any of those areas and raising major concerns about what this guy’s going to do.”
Riley, who often has praised Murray’s intelligence, leadership and ability to respond to challenges, took exception. “What I don’t like about that is you’ve got a guy on TV doing this reporting – and I know Charley Casserly’s had a decorated career in the NFL and has done a lot of tremendous things,” Riley said. “To me, it always seems strange – you go on the deal and say your sources, No. 1, and then you’re going to go on and talk like you’re an expert on somebody that you’ve never met. You’ve never talked to his position coach or head coach at any level about him, and you’ve never talked to any players who’ve played with the guy about how he leads. Now we’re going to be an expert on how he leads.” – AP College Football
*Kyler Murray – Noteworthy
The post-NFL Combine buzz focuses on Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, who “failed” his interviews in Indianapolis, Ind., according to NFL Network analyst Charley Casserly. But not everyone is buying what Casserly is selling, including Murray’s coach at Oklahoma, Lincoln Riley. Per Pro Football Talk: “I’ve personally spoken with the majority of teams that he met with [at the Combine} and everyone was glowing about their conversations with Kyler,” Riley told Dan Patrick. “Basically the complete opposite of what Charley said … Kyler was a tremendous leader for us. All he cares about is winning. I think our team took on his personality.” Riley would have little reason to publicly doubt Murray, who won the Heisman Trophy under his tutelage at Oklahoma. Casserly’s scathing review went public on Tuesday, and he doubled down on it Wednesday during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C. Casserly said he expects Arizona to take Murray and trade Josh Rosen, who was the No. 10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. – NJ.com
A.D. Miller – Noteworthy
A.D. Miller, the Oklahoma receiver who had committed to leave for Illinois, has chosen to stay with the Sooners. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley made the announcement Wednesday. Illinois coach Lovie Smith announced in January that Miller would join the Fighting Illini as a graduate transfer. Instead, Riley expects Miller to rejoin the Sooners in the next few days. “I give the kid a ton of credit because it’s not easy to come back,” Riley said. “At the end of the day, this is where he wanted to be. We’re thrilled to have him back. His teammates are thrilled to have him back.” Miller had 21 receptions for 236 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons for the Sooners. Riley said Miller will have an important role going forward. “A guy that can produce, a guy that’s been a good special teams player for us as well, coming into a position for us that’s got a lot of talent but is very thin,” Riley said. “I’m thrilled he came back, no doubt. I’m glad it worked out.” – AP College Football