Arizona Cardinals: Christian Kirk gives offense another weapon
By Larry Brake
The Arizona Cardinals offense added another weapon by drafting Christian Kirk in the second round.
Christian Kirk fell into the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. There were some media pundits who thought Kirk could be selected in the first round, but the Arizona Cardinals benefitted from his slide. He was the fifth wide receiver to be drafted.
At Texas A&M, Kirk caught 234 passes for 2,856 yards with 26 touchdowns. He played three seasons and declared for the draft after his junior season. He performed well at the NFL Combine. Physically, he stands 5-11, weighing 200 pounds. Most of all, he ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. He was able to bench press 225 pounds twenty times.
Kirk joins Arizona at a good time because he has Larry Fitzgerald as an example to emulate. The Cardinals have had a rich history of fantastic receiver duos. Fitzgerald’s professional work ethic should rub off onto Kirk. Remember when the Cardinals had Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin?
Before them, the Cardinals featured Frank Sanders and David Boston. Who could forget the great duo of J.T. Smith and Roy Green? And briefly together, the Cardinals had John Gilliam and Mel Gray catching passes from Jim Hart.
Expect a fierce competitive battle between Kirk and J.J. Nelson when training camp opens. Kirk gives Arizona a big speedy receiver. He should relieve Fitzgerald of double coverage. Kirk adds another weapon to the offensive scheme. He will stretch the secondary vertically. Although Fitzgerald is the first option, Kirk will get his share of targets in the passing game.
Imagine the dilemma when seeing Fitzgerald, Kirk and Nelson line up in a trips formation. This should open up the passing game to the tight end. The running backs will be open in the flats because of the receiving options downfield.
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Kirk was a very good draft selection. His presence will take away a defender from the box. The running game will benefit from having Kirk running pass routes. It’s going to be an exciting camp and season, let’s see how they play out.