Arizona Cardinals’ Receivers Need to Step It Up

Oct. 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver (15) Michael Floyd attempts a catch under pressure from San Francisco 49ers cornerback (25) Tarell Brown in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals’ offense struggled last season, this much we know.  They apparently haven’t gotten off to a great start in OTA’s either from all accounts.  We know the quarterback is the most important position, but in order for the quarterback to be successful, he needs a crop of good receivers.  Of course Carson Palmer will have Larry Fitzgerald as his number one.  After that, it’s all a guessing game as to how things will play out.

You’d assume Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts will fight for the number two and number three slots.  Then the waters get murkier after that.  The fight for four and five could get interesting.  I imagine the Cards probably would even add a sixth receiver given the offense that head coach Bruce Arians will be running.

I see LaRon Byrd and rookie Ryan Swope coming in and grabbing those fourth and fifth spots.  That leaves one spot, if they go six.  A guy like Kerry Taylor or Jarrett Dillard could be in the running.  The big question will be how do those guys play on special teams.  That may make the difference.  Then I could see them adding one or two receivers to the practice squad.  It will be all about depth.

They keep adding to the mix.  They just signed Charles Hawkins from Southern.  It will be quite a fight come training camp time to see who can make the cut.  Right now, after Byrd and Swope, it’s eight guys just being camp bodies.