Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals are on the verge of opening up training camp. Most NFL clubs require the rookies to show up earlier, but the Cardinals’ rookies and veterans both show up on July 22.
This training camp has a lot riding on during the preseason. A new head coach, Mike LaFleur, plus a new offensive scheme, is being installed.
RELATED: THE RECEIVER NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT
Ahead of training camp opening, let’s look at the receiver room.
This year’s group has a lot riding on it. There should be a lot of improvement with this group. New this year is Kendrick Bourne, signed during free agency from the San Francisco 49ers, Reggie Virgil, who was chosen in Round 5 of the NFL draft, along with undrafted rookie Harrison Wallace, III.
Wilson had a coming-out year last season and has solidified the WR1 position. He is in line to get an extension, which should occur during training camp. He led all receivers last year in total yards with 1,006 yards and was the second most on the roster behind Trey McBride in targets with 126. With this new offense, expect a Pro Bowl year with Wilson.
Harrison and Bourne, while neither broke the 1,000-yard hurdle last season, should be able to move the needle and display why their skills will need to increase their production this year. Harrison needs to prove why he was selected #4 overall, and Bourne should provide good hands with the slot position. Duvernay, Weaver, and Fehoko, plus the rookie Virgil, reward the Cardinals for showing patience and confidence in their abilities.
This group can shine if the correct quarterback is found early enough.
Harrison’s sophomore slump becomes a sign of a complete unraveling, and Wilson shows his best effort was a one-off. Retreads of Duvernay and Bourne can’t get any production in the short game this new offense offers, and the rookie Virgil shows why he dropped to Round 5 before being selected.
This group will love this new offense. It doesn’t throw deep much, but the talent is there with the few plays that do go long. It is geared for the short to intermediate game. Yards for stats won’t be generated in large chunks but in steady increments.
The squad will rely heavily on both Wilson and Harrison, with Bourne getting looks for the short game. The only questions will be who will be the other three players that will gain roster spots, and how they will be used in the game plan. Like any year, there could be a complete surprise that wasn’t expected.
The top three assist in order to slot the secondary guys into positions that are more...
