The Arizona Cardinals followed Larry Fitzgerald’s wishes and drafted fellow Minnesotan Michael Floyd in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Floyd should make an instant impact as a strong, big bodied number two receiver facing single coverage across from Fitzgerald.
One of the knocks on Floyd is his route running skills but he is going to the desert to learn under one of the best route runners in the NFL.
At a 4.47 40-time at 6’2, Floyd has an enviable size/speed blend that he will undoubtedly be able to use to his advantage facing single coverage in the NFL until Fitzgerald retires.
Once Fitzgerald gets Floyd’s route running skills up to par the Cardinals will have quite the dynamic duo as their top two receivers.
Here is what others had to say:
“National Football Post: Floyd now gives the Cardinals a pair of big-play threats on the outside who can beat press man and create vertically down the field. Floyd isn’t as dynamic as Larry Fitzgerald. However, but he should be able to work the intermediate pass game well, gain yards after the catch and bolster Arizona’s passing attack. NFL ceiling: Top-15 wideout. NFL floor: Average starting “Z” receiver.”
ESPN:
“Floyd isn’t an explosive receiver who’s going to separate underneath, but he doesn’t have to because he’s big and strong enough to make plays against tight coverage. The reason he’s a good value at this point in the draft is his ability to make plays down the field. He gets off the line better than most receivers his size, he’s fast and he excels in jump-ball situations.
After superstar Larry Fitzgerald, there is not a lot to like about this passing game and receiving corps. With Floyd penciled in as a legitimate No. 2 receiver, the Cardinals can move Early Doucet to the slot position, where he is much more suited, and that gives them a legitimate three-wide receiver package and gives them two, big physical receivers in Floyd and Fitzgerald that can go up and get it in the red zone and on third down. This is a pick Fitzgerald will love because it will take away some of the double-teams he’s been seeing, and in one move it will make the Cardinals’ QBs look better because they will be able to get away with more jump balls.”
Fantasy Analysis:
Michael Floyd – Floyd is in a perfect position to succeed with the Cardinals and fellow Minnesota native Larry Fitzgerald. Floyd has mega-talent but will be afforded the luxury of playing in single coverage across from Fitz which is only going to help accelerate his development curve and production. Floyd is one of the favorites to lead all rookies in fantasy production and some would argue should be the first rookie receiver off the boards in both redrafts and dynasty league drafts due to the single coverage he will face while ‘number one’ Brian Quick will see double teams and Justin Blackmon is crippled by Blaine Gabbert. We like Floyd as the second or third receiver off the board in dynasty and as the 2nd or 3rd off the board in redraft leagues. Floyd looks like a flex option with WR2 upside for the 2012 season.
Larry Fitzgerald – No one is happier that the Cardinals drafted Floyd than Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz’ handpicked draft pick will get to learn under one of the NFL’s best but more importantly, will help keep opposing defenses honest as they will now need to pick their poison or roll coverage based on play diagnosis rather than Fitz’ name. Fitz is locked in as a WR1.
Beanie Wells/Ryan Williams – The Cardinals running game ranked in the bottom-10 of the league in 2011, but should get a major upgrade with Ryan Williams finally joining the offense and two superstar talent wide receivers on the outside. Wells and Williams will severely limit the fantasy upside of the other but if one emerges as the lead back could end up with decent fantasy value. Both look like flex options with low-end RB2 upside with a flex2 floor.
Kevin Kolb – This season is make or break for Kevin Kolb. After receiving a hefty contract from the Cardinals last off-season Kolb will now have to go out and prove he is worth the money after the Cardinals successfully improved his supporting cast. Now out of excuses Kolb is in danger of being a cap casualty in 2013 if he cannot prove he is a legitimate top-end starter in the NFL.
Anything less than 3,300 yards and 24+ TD’s may be considered a disappointment and may relegate him to backup status somewhere else in the NFL. Kolb is a low-end QB2 with low-end QB1 upside.
