There are many wide receivers that the Arizona Cardinals will face in 2024 that are big time. Whether they are excellent possession receivers or have speed that can beat a corner on a route, the Cardinals’ secondary is going to have some ups and downs when taking on opposing receiving cores. The Cardinals were not near the bottom of the league against opponents last season, but there is a reason why they went out and signed Sean Murphy-Bunting, as well as drafted three cornerbacks.
Arizona’s defense will have to show up big time when taking on certain receivers this season. It is a high possibility that the Cardinals could have a good amount of high scoring games this season. With the additions of Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey Benson and offensive line help this offseason, the Arizona offense could be lighting it up which puts pressure on the defense.
Here are the top five wide receivers the Cardinals will face in 2024.
5.) Keenan Allen
One of the most shocking trades this past offseason was the Los Angeles Chargers trading away Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears. Allen will be catching passes from Caleb Williams now in a stacked offense. In just 13 games last season, Allen had 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and 7 touchdowns. He has been a Pro Bowl player six of the last seven seasons, making him a great addition to the Bears’ offense. The only bad part about Allen’s game is health, where he has not played a full season since 2019.
The Cardinals will have to deal with Allen, D.J. Moore, and rookie wideout Rome Odunze which will be extremely challenging.
4.) Amon-Ra St. Brown
Part of the reason why the Detroit Lions had one of the best offenses last season is because of wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. In the last two seasons, St. Brown has produced back-to-back 1,000+ receiving yard seasons, making him Jared Goff’s go-to guy in the passing game. The last time St. Brown faced the Cardinals in 2021 where he was able to get 8 receptions for 90 yards and a score. Since then, St. Brown has not looked back. Much like the Bears, Detroit has multiple weapons on the offense that can change a game. However, St. Brown is the one that a defense has to game plan for.
The only way for Arizona to contain St. Brown is to get pressure on Jared Goff. Even though Goff has become a more efficient passer, he still needs a perfect setup to make a play. If the Cardinals are able to get Goff out of rhythm, St. Brown won’t be as big of an impact.
3.) Puka Nacua
The biggest steal of the NFL Draft last year was none other than Los Angeles Rams’ wide receiver Puka Nacua, who was drafted in the 5th round. Finishing with over 100 catches for 1,486 yards and 6 touchdowns, Nacua is going to be a problem within the NFC West. While the Rams have dominated the Cardinals, Nacua did play a significant role within LA’s two wins against Arizona last season. In both matchups, Nacua was held to 8 catches for 53 yards.
However, because we know what kind of damage Nacua can do on the field, he makes this list. In addition, there is an argument to be made for Cooper Kupp to be on this list but his recent injury history provides a little bit of doubt of how Kupp could produce against Arizona. At the end of the day, Nacua and Matthew Stafford have a solid connection. The Cardinals’ secondary should keep their eyes on Nacua more than any other weapons on the Rams.
2.) Justin Jefferson
Let’s face it, when a team is heading to take on the Minnesota Vikings, Justin Jefferson is the main player that a defense will need to plan for. Jefferson has worked his way up as one of, if not the best wideout in the league. One advantage that the Cardinals could have against Jefferson is the quarterback play.
Kirk Cousins is no longer in Minnesota so Jefferson will be catching passes from a different quarterback for the first time in his career. Whether it is Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy, Jefferson will need to find a way to make it work with a new quarterback. However, with the talent that Jefferson has there should be no doubt that the will still make the same impact he has up to this point in his career.
1.) Tyreek Hill
Since being traded to the Miami Dolphins, Tyreek Hill has done nothing but be arguably the best non-QB in football. He has had back-to-back 1,700+ receiving yard seasons and 21 total touchdowns in two years. Hill has been a perfect fit for the Dolphins’ offensive scheme and they can light up the board like it is nothing. Having eight games last season of 100+ yards (one with over 200 yards), Hill’s presence is tough for any defense.
The Cardinals’ secondary will be tasked to defend Hill and while it is possible, it can be very difficult. Much like Jared Goff with Amon-Ra St. Brown, if Arizona can consistently pressure Tua Tagovailoa, Hill no longer becomes an x-factor.