Arizona Cardinals’ receiving corps could use a makeover
By Jim Koch
Wide receiver used to be a position of strength for the Arizona Cardinals, but the current group could use some reinforcements
It’s been almost a year now since some poor judgement by an individual had a negative effect on the Arizona Cardinals. On December 12th, 2016, Cards’ wide receiver Michael Floyd was busted for driving under the influence. The club’s passing game hasn’t been the same since.
The release of Floyd shortly after the incident has left a hole in the offense. Arizona elected to part ways with their 2012 first-round draft pick quickly. Perhaps management should’ve more thoroughly considered the ramifications of such a move before making it.
The Notre Dame product, despite his off-the-field troubles, was a big-time playmaker. Obviously, Larry Fitzgerald’s career is still going strong. But no Cardinal has stepped up to fill the number-two pass-catcher role as well as Floyd did for five years.
Two years ago, John Brown appeared capable of handling the job. He caught 65 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 2015. But injuries combined with a sickle-cell condition may have taken a toll, and now “Smokey’s” career appears to be on the downslope.
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Jaron Brown has shown potential throughout his five campaigns in the desert. His playing time finally increased in 2017, but the 6’2″, 205 pounder hasn’t fully taken advantage of his opportunity. In nine contests, Brown has hauled in just 23 balls for 327 yards and two scores, average numbers at best.
J.J. Nelson looked to be coming on in 2016, when he tallied 34 receptions for 568 yards and seven total touchdowns. But the tiny speedster has been unspectacular so far in ’17. Nelson’s slight size (5’10”, 160) makes him more suited to be in the slot, a spot usually reserved for someone who’s third or fourth on a team’s depth chart.
This year’s third-round draft pick, Chad Williams, is nothing more than a question mark at this point. If general manager Steve Keim’s recent track record with drafts is any indication however, the Grambling State product’s prospects are not good. Now that the Cards’ playoff chances seem to be fading, taking a good, hard look at Williams may not be a bad idea.
The wide receivers room of the Cardinals could have different occupants in 2018. The retirement cloud is once again looming over Fitzgerald. Both John and Jaron Brown are unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, and it would not be a total shock to see one, or both of them gone in ’18.
There’s some intriguing receivers on next offseason’s free agent list. A group that includes Sammy Watkins, Davante Adams, Jarvis Landry, Terrelle Pryor, Paul Richardson and Danny Amendola. Depending on how the chips fall, Keim would be smart to try and upgrade the position by pursuing one or two of those choices.
Depending on what happens at the quarterback position next offseason, perhaps Arizona could even turn to the early part of their draft for a reinforcement. But as mentioned, Keim’s drafts have been lacking as of late. One thing’s for certain though, wide receiver has again turned into a position of need for the Cards.