Arizona Cardinals: What receivers make the cut?
By Kyler Burd
Christian Kirk
Third-year receiver Christian Kirk is the last of the “core” of receivers that Kingsbury and Murray are likely to rely on in 2020.
When Kirk came to the desert in 2018 there was a lot of hope placed on the shoulders of the young second-round pick. Ever since the glory days of Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston the Cardinals had been searching high and low for more wide receiver talent and depth.
There is a general consensus that Kirk is talented. With Fitz mostly being used as WR2 or in the slot, Kirk took over most of the WR1 duties. He is a good route runner with enough speed to occasionally get open downfield for big gains.
His stats are not gaudy. His rookie season he only had 590 receiving yards and in 2019 that went up to 709. Additionally, he has only accounted for 6 touchdowns over his two years with Arizona.
Perhaps the biggest reason for this, and the main concern many have with Kirk, are the games missed due to injury. He missed four games his rookie season and three in 2019 after a high ankle injury in Week 4.
With Hopkins at WR1 and Fitzgerald more than likely steady at WR2, Kirk is set to draw the CB3 from opposing defenses. It is possible this opens up a whole new world for Kirk that allows him to develop and put together a good season.
If he stays healthy, this could be the year Arizona fans see Kirk’s numbers jump and his potential shine through. Regardless, expect Kirk to be a steady WR3 in this high-powered offense and on the field for the majority of snaps.