Drafting a Receiver is the Right Call for the Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals need a cornerback and a quarterback, but receiver is the right call for round one

Draft prognosticators are still in the process of guessing what teams will do later this month in the NFL Draft. Most have narrowed down the Arizona Cardinals to picking either a quarterback, or a cornerback.

The Cardinals do have needs in both of those areas, and both positions would make plenty of sense. There are a number of great prospects at both spots that would be good selections with the 13th overall pick. However, the smartest play might be to take a wide receiver.

Plenty has been made of Larry Fitzgerald’s pending retirement, but it can’t be overstated. If this is his last year, the Cardinals are going to be severely lacking at receiver. As it stands, they are unprepared for life after Fitz.

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John Brown figures to be the number two receiver in 2017. His 2015 season was terrific, and saw him record over 1,000 yards. However, he was diagnosed with the sickle cell trait last year, and it caused him to miss time. It wouldn’t be wise to count on him to be their top receiver after Fitzgerald retires.

Jaron Brown has the size they’ll be missing without Larry Legend, but he has yet to make a difference. He’s never recorded more than 22 receptions in a season during his four seasons in Arizona. It’s a stretch to think he could be a top option.

JJ Nelson is also on the roster, and certainly brings the kind of speed that makes him exciting. At just 156 pounds, though, he’s just not built to be anything more than an occasional player.

This year’s receiver class has some terrific options. Corey Davis has great size and play-making ability, and put up huge numbers in college. Mike Williams is another stellar receiver, who wins with size and strength.

Both Davis and Williams would be great options for the Cardinals offense. In 2017, they would make fantastic options opposite Fitzgerald. Then, assuming Fitz retires, they could step in as number one guys.

The Cardinals would have to use the number 13 pick on either of them, but that shouldn’t stop them. The quarterbacks that will go in round one are all risky that high. As for the cornerback position, the 2017 draft is loaded, and they can still get a very good one in the second round.

Next: Cardinals on Verge of Rebuild

Many fans are against the Cardinals drafting a wide receiver in the first round. In fact, receiver is as big a need as any other spot on the roster. Adding a top pass catcher early makes the 2017 offense even stronger, and sets the position up for the long run. They should actually consider double-dipping at receiver, adding another option in the middle rounds. Unfortunately Fitzgerald can’t play forever, and once he’s gone, they need somebody out there who can be a star.