Arizona Cardinals rookie WR KeeSean Johnson predicted to be major contributor

Rookie wide receiver KeeSean Johnson could play a major role for the Arizona Cardinals in 2019.

The Arizona Cardinals were able to basically completely remake their passing attack in the 2019 NFL Draft. Obviously, taking quarterback Kyler Murray with the first overall pick changes things, but the Cardinals did not stop there.

They added significant talent at the wide receiver position, drafting Andy Isabella is the second round, Hakeem Butler in the fourth and KeeSean Johnson in the sixth.

Isabella and Butler probably have more long-term upside. Isabella has electric speed that allows him to make plays all over the field, while Butler is a big and athletic receiver with a ridiculous catch radius. However, Johnson is the guy who has the best chance to make an immediate impact.

Johnson is a smooth route runner who shows impressive short-area quickness and nice overall athleticism. He understands how to find space against both man and zone, consistently creating separation in the short to intermediate range. Johnson also catches the ball well in traffic and is elusive with the ball in his hands in the open field.

The Fresno State product has been impressive since arriving in Arizona and may have separated himself from the guys drafted ahead of him. In fact, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN predicts that Johnson will emerge as the Cardinals’ third receiver in 2019.

“The Fresno State product has continued to impress during training camp, making tough catches look routine,” Weinfuss wrote. “He has consistently put his fundamentals on display with his route running and his pass-catching ability. Johnson is already getting some first-team reps, which will continue as long as he practices at a high level. If he can be consistent, he’ll leave camp behind Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk on the depth chart.”

Fitzgerald and Kirk will likely be Murray’s top targets in 2019. However, after them, the wide receiver position is wide open and Johnson is doing a nice job of making the most out of the opportunity.

Under new head coach Kliff Kingsbury, the Arizona Cardinals will likely play with a lot of receivers on the field at once. Kingsbury uses a wide-open offensive attack, commonly playing with four and even five receivers. That being said, they will not be able to do that all of the time. Johnson being able to establish himself as the third receiver would be huge. He would essentially be a starter for this team, allowing him to build an immediate rapport with Murray.

The Arizona Cardinals are going to throw the ball a lot in 2019, creating ample opportunity for a receiver like Johnson to make a mark. If he can continue to stay ahead of Isabella and Butler, Johnson has a chance to become one of the best value picks from the 2019 NFL Draft.