2020 NFL Draft: Potential first-round targets for Arizona Cardinals
Pick Analysis. Jerry Jeudy. 8. Scouting Report. Wide Receiver. Alabama. player. 32
On January 15th, the Arizona Cardinals announced that veteran receiver and franchise legend Larry Fitzgerald will be back for another season. As the franchise leader in receiving yards, Fitzgerald will play in his 17th NFL season at the age of 36. Given that Fitzgerald is in the back half of his career, Arizona has selected at least one receiver in each of the last three drafts, with three taken in 2019.
Despite a now crowded receiver room that includes names such as Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler, and KeeSean Johnson, the Arizona Cardinals still could use help at the position. In 2019, Arizona saw improvement with Kirk and saw flashes in sixth-round rookie Johnson. However, fourth-round pick Butler spend the year on IR and Isabella barely saw meaningful snaps throughout the season.
Moreover, if Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy is there at eight, the Cardinal’s could potentially capitalize on that selection. Jeudy is one of the most electric players in the 2020 NFL Draft. On film, he blends great speed with smooth, sharp route running to create generate separation. And while he’ll occasionally let one into his chest, Jeudy has natural catching ability, making him a reliable target for any quarterback.
Although to some, spending another relativity high draft pick on a receiver may seem highly redundant. However, when a talent such as Jeudy is still on the board, one cannot pass on that chance. If the Cardinals want to maximize Kyler Murray‘s potential, drafting Jeudy is a good place to start.