Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver depth chart impact

The Arizona Cardinals brought in three very strong rookie wide receiver in the 2019 NFL Draft. How will they shuffle the depth chart?

The Arizona Cardinals stole the show at the 2019 NFL Draft when they used the first overall pick on Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray, but they set themselves up for a really fun depth chart battle at the wide receiver position with some later selections.

After picking Kyler Murray, the Cardinals later followed up that selection by fortifying the wide receiver spot with Massachusetts slot man Andy Isabella, Iowa State’s Hakeem Butler, and Fresno State’s KeeSean Johnson.

They literally went from the East Coast to the Heartland and all the way out to the state of California in the West to bring help to the desert, and they got some really intriguing players.

Let’s look at the Cardinals’ wide receiver depth chart without these rookies.

WR1: Larry Fitzgerald
WR2: Christian Kirk
WR3: Chad Williams
WR4: Kevin White

Now, looking at that group you have a living legend in Larry Fitzgerald who re-signed on a one year contract to remain with the Cardinals this season. The clock is ticking on his career but man is the final year (or at least one of them) going to be exciting with Murray joining the fray.

Kirk was a 2018 second-round pick. He factors in now and for the future. He finished his rookie season with 43 receptions for 590 yards and three touchdowns.

Chad Williams — a third-round pick in 2017 — had just 17 catches last season. Kevin White was a first-round draft bust for the Chicago Bears who is probably on a short leash with the Cardinals.

Let’s look at what these new receivers bring to the table.

Andy Isabella, UMass

The Cardinals used the second-round pick they acquired from the Miami Dolphins for Josh Rosen on UMass slot receiver Andy Isabella.

Isabella is one of the fastest receivers in this year’s class. He has excellent quickness but his deep speed is what got him recognized at UMass.

Working that speed and quickness from the slot, Isabella can win in a variety of ways, and I think his game will only get more diverse as his career goes along. He does a good job making plays after the catch but also tracks the ball really well downfield and will be a unique type of weapon for Kyler Murray to get the ball to.

Hakeem Butler, Iowa State

In terms of measurables, there’s no legitimate reason Hakeem Butler should have gone into the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but everyone else’s loss is the Cardinals’ gain.

Butler needs work on his route running, but for now, he can go up and win jump ball situations and  beat defensive backs with a combination of speed, length, and leaping ability.

They call this kind of receiver a “60-40” player because they have a better than 50-50 chance of winning contested catch situations. Butler’s catch radius is out of this world and he will make an impact on deep balls immediately.

KeeSean Johnson, Fresno State

KeeSean Johnson doesn’t have elite speed like Andy Isabella. He doesn’t have the wingspan and leaping ability of Hakeem Butler.

What he has is freaking phenomenal tape.

Johnson is one of the best route runners in this year’s draft, and he knows how to win despite his physical limitations.

In the short-intermediate passing game, working to the sideline, and winning in the red zone will be Johnson’s calling cards for success in the NFL.

Updated Depth Chart

WR1: Larry Fitzgerald
WR2: Christian Kirk
WR3: Andy Isabella
WR4: KeeSean Johnson
WR5: Hakeem Butler
WR6: Chad Williams
WR7: Kevin White

Leading into the offseason, I don’t think there’s any doubt about Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk will be atop the depth chart but what about right behind them?

Andy Isabella, I think, is set to take on a prominent role in this offense. He was the highest drafted player, which doesn’t make him the most ready, but he has a pro-ready skillset and can be a weapon from the slot.

I think KeeSean Johnson’s route running ability gives him an edge (despite draft status) over Hakeem Butler initially, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see those two reversed.

Depending on how many WRs the Cardinals want to keep, I could see Butler pushing both Williams and White off the team completely.