The Arizona Cardinals may not have the level of draft speculation that they had a year ago with the 2019 first overall pick, but this year’s incoming class has generated tons of hype for the fanbase.

The Cardinals, sitting at pick No. 8, have a few pressing needs to fill this offseason. Lucky for them, many of their positions of need are available to them in a loaded free agency and draft class.

As fans are aware, the team will be upgrading the following positions this offseason: outside linebacker, inside linebacker, wide receiver, interior defensive line, and right tackle.

Debates about the best use of the 8th overall pick are already running wild, despite the fact that free agency hasn’t even started.

The Cardinals have been most heavily linked to offensive talent, as the team appears motivated to surround their Offensive Rookie of the Year-winning quarterback, Kyler Murray, with as many playmakers as possible.

There are valid arguments for many of the top prospects in this year’s draft class. The team could very much use a right tackle to solidify the protection for Murray. There are two great receivers likely available to the Cardinals, so there is a large part of the fanbase advocating for one of the two. The Cardinals could also address their porous 2019 defense. While top defensive players like Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah and Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons are likely to be gone by the eighth pick, there are still others like Auburn defensive Derrick Brown.

While there are many great players that would make the Cardinals a better ball club, one stands out amongst the rest as a dream scenario for the front office, head coach, quarterback, and fanbase.

Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb is the best fit for the Arizona Cardinals organization.

A glaring need in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense:

CeeDee Lamb brings the physical presence at receiver on the outside that Kliff Kingsbury’s offense is missing. Kingsbury undoubtedly wants a star receiver this offseason, as his offense struggled at times without one.

Lamb’s incredible college football career netted 3,292 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns in three years. His 807 receiving yards as a freshman broke the University of Oklahoma record for a freshman receiver. I imagine that qualifies as a star receiver, no?

Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray are rightfully praised for their major contributions in turning the Cardinals offense into a formidable unit in 2019. However, throughout all this hype for their potential in 2020, many fans seem to forget how the team mightily struggled in the red zone at times. That is one of the areas in which CeeDee Lamb helps this team in 2020 and beyond. Having a dominant outside receiver in the red zone does wonders for an offense, and even if the ball isn’t going Lamb’s way on a particular play, his presence alone draws defenders to him, giving other players a better chance to make a play.

The Cardinals relied on a potent rushing attack in 2019, highlighted by Kenyan Drake, David Johnson and the constant threat of Kyler Murray’s running ability. At times when the running game was shut down, the rest of the offense did so as well. Take the first matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, for example. Their dominant defensive line kept the Cardinal running game contained, and the team suffered their worst loss of the season.

Perhaps the most telling need for another receiver is this: There were only four instances throughout the entire 2019 season where a Cardinals receiver eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark(Larry Fitzgerald vs DET, BAL & Christian Kirk vs BAL, TB). While Kirk is expected to take another step forward next season, the numbers illustrate a missing component to this offense. That missing link is a dominant outside receiver, which is a void that could be filled by CeeDee Lamb.

Kliff Kingsbury did the most with limited playmakers in 2019. It could be fireworks in Arizona if he is given high-level talent like CeeDee Lamb.

Release? pic.twitter.com/A3DSryGwbM

— CeeDee Lamb (@_CeeDeeThree) February 28, 2020

Familiarity with Kyler Murray:

CeeDee Lamb’s junior year at Oklahoma was played alongside quarterback Kyler Murray. With Murray throwing him the ball, Lamb totaled 65 receptions, 1,158 yards, and 11 touchdowns.

A huge factor of Kyler Murray’s successful rookie campaign was his familiarity with the Kliff Kingsbury offense and his relationship with the first-year coach. It allowed Murray to step into the NFL and play well from the start.

The same scenario would likely be the case for CeeDee Lamb, as he played in the same offense as Kyler Murray. The two have already developed chemistry in their timing and execution during their days at Oklahoma. The familiarity of the scheme and the obvious relationship with Murray would give CeeDee Lamb the best chance to succeed early, and make an impact for 2020 and beyond.

A chance to learn from one of the greatest

NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald committed to the team for another season. He may not put up the numbers he used to, but he still has arguably the best hands in the league and is the backbone of this organization.

With Fitzgerald nearing the end of his career, time is running short for the Cardinals to find someone to take over in his inevitable absence. By drafting CeeDee Lamb, the Cards are giving him a great opportunity to learn from one of the greatest of all time at his position. Fitzgerald was an active voice in the ear of Kyler Murray during his rookie development, and it’s safe to assume the same would be done for Lamb.

It’s a great opportunity for all parties. The Cardinals get two talented receivers in the short term, CeeDee Lamb gets to learn alongside Larry Fitzgerald, and the inevitable retirement of Fitz will be lessened by the presence of Lamb.

Final thoughts

Like I said, there are a ton of talented players available to the Cardinals in this year’s draft. There isn’t a wrong argument for who they should take with the 8th overall pick. Still, I believe the facts are evident enough to where the best player available to the Cardinals is clear.

CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

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Ep. 260

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Ep. 259

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