Raising Zona
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Fitz returns, but Arizona Cardinals must find his replacement now

By Mark A. Hernandez

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 07: CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before playing the Baylor Bears in the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 07: CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before playing the Baylor Bears in the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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Larry Fitzgerald is returning for his 17th season in 2020. All is well in the desert. But if the Arizona Cardinals want to do his Hall of Fame career any justice, they need to find his successor. CeeDee Lamb certainly fits the bill.

For the last 16 years, Cardinal — and NFL — fans have had the luxury of witnessing one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play the game wear No. 11 for the Arizona Cardinals. Larry Fitzgerald could probably run for Governor someday and the people would elect him in a landslide. That’s the type of impact he’s had here in the desert.

The good news is, he’s coming back for a 17th season. The bad news is, we don’t know if it’ll be his last, or penultimate season. Regardless, at some point, Fitz will retire and the Cardinals need to have a plan now if they want to stay competitive in the brutal NFC West.

The Cardinals currently hold the 8th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, barring any pre-draft trades. There certainly are areas of concern for the team this off-season — the defensive line, inside linebacker and the future of the running back position.

Certainly, you always want to go with the best available player, especially picking in the top-ten. For my money, that’s Isaiah Simmons, the freak do-it-all-linebacker out of Clemson. But with the recent news of Carolina Panthers LB Luke Kuechly retiring, the Panthers will definitely look to replace him immediately, and they also pick ahead of the Cardinals at No.7.

So that leaves the next best player available — Oklahoma star wideout, CeeDee Lamb. The 6-2, 189-pounder would make the most sense for the team, as he played with quarterback Kyler Murray during his sophomore year. The two have chemistry and Lamb could provide a spark with his quickness, crisp route running and breakaway speed.

In his 3 years at Oklahoma, Lamb amassed 173 receptions for 3,292 yards and 33 total touchdowns. A much needed threat in what is still a growing offense under head coach Kliff Kingsbury.

A reunion with former teammate Kyler Murray only bodes well for a young, hungry unit. Lamb’s familiarity with the offense will put him ahead of the curve, just like Murray in his rookie season. This pick checks all the boxes.

dark. Next. Buckner could be a fit in Arizona

A dynamic playmaker is needed. Lamb is the perfect fit. The only question is, do you still take him if Simmons is still on the board?

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