Can Christian Kirk hold off Cardinals’ rookie WRs?

Arizona Cardinals second-year WR Christian Kirk is ready to battle for a starting job against his new rookie teammates in 2019.

The Arizona Cardinals had one of the best overall classes in the 2019 NFL Draft, headlined by No. 1 overall pick, Kyler Murray. But along with Murray came a trio of receivers in Andy Isabella (second round), Hakeem Butler (fourth round), and Keesean Johnson (sixth round), who are expected to make contributions this season.

Isabella and Butler, specifically, will have a chance to compete for starter’s reps alongside veteran Larry Fitzgerald.

But before either rookie is crowned as one of Murray’s potential top targets, second-year wideout Christian Kirk can’t be overlooked.

According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, it’s been Kirk who’s impressed the Cardinals coaching staff the most this offseason.

And don’t forget, Kirk was a high draft investment in his own right. He was selected in the second round in 2018.

Kirk finished his rookie season appearing in 12 games (seven starts) with 43 catches for 590 yards and three touchdowns. Not the most impressive stat line, but when considering how putrid Arizona’s offensive line was and the inconsistent quarterback play, no receiver stood much of a chance to post elite numbers. Even Fitzgerald struggled to the tune of 734 yards.

This season will be something of a second rookie year for Kirk. He’ll begin training camp with a new coaching staff, a new playbook and a new quarterback. Not to mention new competition on the depth chart.

But there could be room for all of these young and talented pass-catchers to make their mark in 2019. Butler, for example, is a completely different kind of receiver than Kirk and Isabella. His 6-5 frame projects nicely as a red zone target and downfield threat. Kirk and Isabella, on the other hand, will offer shiftiness and speed on the outside and in the slot.

It’ll be fun to watch how the depth chart shakes out over the next few months. The Cardinals will be a great example of how we can’t forget about second and even third-year players vying for bigger roles just because an incoming class of rookies is exciting and new.