Arizona Cardinals: KeeSean Johnson has been the most impressive rookie receiver

According to early reports, KeeSean Johnson has been the most impressive Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver.

The Arizona Cardinals drafted Kyler Murray to be their franchise signal-caller with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Murray is an incredibly gifted quarterback who is a perfect fit for head coach Kliff Kingsbury‘s spread offensive attack. Arizona used a major part of their remaining draft capital to get Murray a variety of interesting pass catchers.

First, they took UMass speedster Andy Isabella with the pick they received from the Josh Rosen trade (second round, 64th overall). In the fourth round (103rd overall), the Cardinals drafted Hakeem Butler, a big and physical receiver out of Iowa State. Lastly, they snagged KeeSean Johnson, a smooth and versatile pass catcher out of Fresno State.

Out of these three guys, Johnson was clearly the least heralded. Isabella’s raw speed caught a lot of attention throughout the draft process and Butler was considered a first-round talent by some in the draft community. However, Johnson appears to be the guy who is making the most out his opportunity early in his career.

According to Scott Bordow of the Athletic (subscription required), Johnson “has reportedly looked better than Andy Isabella or Hakeem Butler.”

"“Johnson is a smooth route runner with good hands,” Bordow wrote. “Whereas Isabella hasn’t been as natural catching the ball, and Butler is a raw product who struggled to shed press coverage. That doesn’t mean Butler or Isabella will be busts or even possibilities not to make the 53-man roster. Johnson has simply had a better spring.”"

Isabella has had issues with catching the ball and has to clean up that part of his game if he is going to reach his potential. That will not happen overnight. Same with Butler’s issues with separation. The Iowa State product has an incredible catch radius, but he is never going to be a guy who can create consistent separation at the next level.

None of this should be a major surprise. However, it could be a big deal before it’s all said and done. This is an extremely important year for the Arizona Cardinals, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Murray is going to be the full-time starter for this team from the start and he is going to start learning who he trusts on the offense. With so many interesting rookie pass catchers on the roster, if Johnson can gain Murray’s trust right away, he could legitimately end up being a major target for him in 2019 and beyond.

Johnson is a gifted receiver who shows the ability to make an impact on the outside and out of the slot. If he can continue to impress, Kingsbury will find ways to get him open and Murray will get him the ball. Isabella and Butler will both undoubtedly be in the mix but do not be surprised if Johnson takes this momentum and becomes the best receiver of the group.