The Arizona Cardinals selected receiver Andy Isabella in the second round of the 2019 draft. He was selected with the pick the Cardinals received from the Miami Dolphins for quarterback Josh Rosen.
He was highly touted by the team because of his production in college, his speed and his work ethic.
However, his rookie campaign was a dud, as he had only nine catches all season and didn’t see much playing time.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks selected receiver D.K. Metcalf two picks later. He had a big rookie season with 58 catches for 900 yards and seven scores. His seven catches for 160 yards and touchdown in the Seahawks’ playoff win over the weekend were huge.
The Cardinals needed receivers last year when they selected Isabella and then Hakeem Butler and KeeSean Johnson. It appears they missed big time with Metcalf and it haunts many fans and has drawn criticism by analysts.
It is obvious that after one year it looks like the Cardinals made a mistake.
However, it is important to note some things.
The Cardinals viewed Isabella as a potential big-time slot receiver. He didn’t play much in the slot in college. He got hurt in the preseason and the Cardinals already had Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk to play in the slot. He was moved around between the slot and outside, which slowed his development.
Metcalf plays outside. The Cardinals needed an outside receiver as well but chose Isabella.
After one season, it looks like a disaster. It is something to watch over the next couple of years. If Isabella develops as the team expects, all will be well, but if Metcalf continues to improve and becomes a stud receiver, unfortunately, the only way the Cardinals don’t look bad is if Isabella himself becomes a star.
Isabella needs to make huge strides in the seasons to come. If he doesn’t, the Cardinals will lament passing on Metcalf, a player who had familial ties to the franchise, and having to see him dominate with a division rival.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 254
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Ep. 253:
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