Wide receivers a strength again for Arizona Cardinals

The incredible Larry Fitzgerald and a contingent of youngsters will occupy the Arizona Cardinals’ wide receivers room in 2019

The Arizona Cardinals struggled mightily on offense in 2018. One of the squad’s most obvious weaknesses was at the wide receiver spot. The Cards could depend on veteran Larry Fitzgerald and rookie Christian Kirk, but the rest of the group failed to impress.

Arizona’s front office, realizing that they had a major problem with the pass-catchers, went on the offensive this offseason. Back in March, general manager Steve Keim delved into the free agent market to begin to address the dilemma. A one-year contract was handed to Kevin White, a former Chicago Bear who is hoping to fulfill his vast potential with the Cardinals.

The signing of White was just the beginning. The talented 26-year old was a fine acquisition, but Keim believed that more help was needed. April’s NFL Draft presented the Cards with an oppurtunity to bring in additional reinforcements, and they clearly took full advantage.

Andy Isabella, a speedster out of the University of Massachusetts, was taken in round two. In the fourth round, the enormous Hakeem Butler out of Iowa State was added to the nest. Not satisfied with just those two prospects, Arizona also nabbed Fresno State’s KeeSean Johnson in round six.

The sudden infusion of talent at the wide receiver position could make it tough on some others to secure a place on the roster. Third-year Cardinal Chad Williams will almost certainly be shown the door. The 24-year old has been a huge disappointment, totalling just 20 receptions in his two professional campaigns.

Another youthful pass-receiver, Trent Sherfield, is an interesting story. The undrafted free agent showed a good deal of promise as a rookie last season. Unfortunately, the 23-year old may fall victim to a numbers games in the desert, and ultimately find himself on the Cards’ practice squad because of it.

Pharoh Cooper isn’t the most gifted pass-catcher, but his kick-return skills should keep him around. Damiere Byrd can take the top off of any defense with his blazing speed. However, the former Carolina Panther will have to shine brightly to overcome the stiff competition he’ll be up against in training camp.

What a difference a few months can make. An area of the team that was a profound weakness not even a year ago is now looking like a strength. Some nifty moves made by Keim and his helpers this past spring have once again made Arizona’s wide receivers a force to be reckoned with.