While the Arizona Cardinals acquired receiver DeAndre Hopkins in a trade this offseason, they decided not to draft a receiver in part because they believe in the young receivers they have. They selected three in the NFL draft in 2019.
The trio of Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler and KeeSean Johnson combined for 30 receptions. However, Butler did not play at all last season, as he spent the year on injured reserve after having broken his hand in the preseason.
In terms of development in training camp, Butler appeared to be the furthest behind and was unable to practice all year.
However, head coach Kliff Kingsbury has not lost any belief in Butler and still expects him to be able to be productive.
“Tons of ability,” Kingsbury said in a video conference with reporters. “He’s healthy. He’s been working hard this offseason. He knows what we expect of him, and what we think he can be. I’m really excited when we can finally get him back on the field.”
Butler adds a dimension to the receivers room they don’t have with anyone else. He is the tallest receiver they have. He is long and fast.
Playing time will be a battle for the young receivers, as the Cardinals already have Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk as their top three.
If Butler can take a step forward in this offseason, he has the potential to be a big-play threat this year. He might not put up huge numbers in terms of quantity of receptions, but they could be for big plays.
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Ep. 267
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Ep. 266
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