Raising Zona
FanSided

Son of former Arizona Cardinal preparing for upcoming draft

By Jim Koch

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 23: Darnay Holmes #1 of the UCLA Bruins defends as Michael Pittman Jr. #6 of the USC Trojans makes a catch during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 23: Darnay Holmes #1 of the UCLA Bruins defends as Michael Pittman Jr. #6 of the USC Trojans makes a catch during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is following in the footsteps of a father who once was a member of the Arizona Cardinals

Roughly twenty years ago, Michael Pittman Sr. was a running back with the Arizona Cardinals. From 1998-2001, the club’s muscle-bound ball-carrier ran through opposing defenses with unbridled ferocity. Could Pittman’s son, a wide receiver out of the University of Southern California, begin his NFL career with the Cards like his father did?

Michael Pittman Jr., fresh off of a spectacular senior campaign with the Trojans, is a prospect who could certainly pique Arizona’s interest. The club is still seeking help at wideout, despite the fact that general manager Steve Keim added three pass-catchers during the 2019 draft. There’s been talk that the Cardinals could use the eighth-overall pick to reinforce the position, but the selection of a receiver during the latter rounds is also a possibility.

At the current time, draft enthusiasts are predicting that the younger Pittman will come off of the board in the second round. The 6’4, 220 pounder hauled in 101 passes for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall. From 2016-18, Pittman Jr. totaled 70 receptions, 1,244 receiving yards and eight scores in 28 appearances for USC.

This past Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine, Pittman Jr. ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds. His 36.5 inch vertical jump ranked ninth-best among all of the wide receivers. On Wednesday, the 22-year old recorded 13 reps during the 225-pound bench press.

Pittman Sr. was a battering ram of a runner who appeared in 56 games (28 starts) during four seasons with the Cards. The 6’0, 218 pounder amassed 1,945 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Pittman’s stint with the organization also included 131 catches, 1,039 receiving yards and another two trips to the end zone on pass-receptions.

Next. Murray would love to see Lamb in Cardinals uniform. dark

If Arizona elects to pass on a wideout in the first round (Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb has been linked to the squad), then Pittman Jr. could certainly come into play for the franchise later on. The youngster’s impressive skill-set would make him an interesting addition to the “Air Raid” offense. Having another member of the Pittman family find success in the desert with the Cardinals would be incredibly intriguing as well.

Home/Cardinals Draft