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Arizona Cardinals: What receivers make the cut?

By Kyler Burd

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 08: Larry Fitzgerald #11 and Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals pose for a picture during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 08: Larry Fitzgerald #11 and Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals pose for a picture during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 31:  Andy Isabella #89 of the Arizona Cardinals scores on an 88 yard touchdown reception during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. 49ers won 28-25. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 31:  Andy Isabella #89 of the Arizona Cardinals scores on an 88 yard touchdown reception during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. 49ers won 28-25. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Andy Isabella

Whether or not it makes or breaks their performance, speed is a very attractive quality in a wide receiver. The Chiefs’ use of cheetah-like Tyreek Hill in their fast-paced offense has set the tone for what other teams are looking for in a wide receiver that can take the top off of a defense.

Enter the 4.31 Andy Isabella.

The flash of potential that many Cardinals fans took note of was Isabella’s 88-yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8 of 2019. His speed and elusiveness were on full display leading many to have big hopes for the 23 year old second round pick.

Most of Isabella’s time on the field last season came in jet sweeps or trick plays. Opposing defenses took notice of him while he was on the field mostly because of his speed, taking at least one defender away to allow others to make plays.

The main critique of Isabella’s game is his tendency to catch the ball with his body rather than his hands. It seems that this was a large reason Kingsbury did not feel comfortable using him more extensively in the passing game.

If he has worked on his catching technique (get some lessons from Larry Legend), Isabella could provide something very valuable to this team. Hopkins and Fitzgerald are both elite receivers and Kirk is a polished route-runner, but the Cards are still missing a player with elite speed.

The ability to provide that, and the potential he showed in small flashes last year, should be more than enough to keep Isabella on this squad for another season.

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