Big Red
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- Mar 16, 2019
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The Cardinals took three receivers in last year's draft, and the final one – sixth-rounder KeeSean Johnson -- finished with the most catches and targets by a considerable margin.
In aggregate, that is something to build on, but the arrow trended in the wrong direction as his rookie year went along.
Johnson's most prolific game was his NFL debut, catching five passes for 46 yards against the Lions, but then his production and playing time consistently dropped. Johnson was inactive for the final five games of the season, which has served as motivation for him this offseason.
"More fuel to the fire," Johnson said. "Going from playing in a football game to having to sit and watch, it only makes you want to get out there that much more."
Cardinals wide receivers coach David Raih said Johnson is a more confident player in his second year.
"KeeSean has matured, and I can tell you this, he's got a ton of pride," Raih said. "He worked on it all offseason. To be good, he's got to continue it. Personally, I love him. He's so fun to coach because he cares so much. He's got the skills to have a career. He's learning how to do it every day."
The Cardinals have a top-notch receiving trio in DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald, and barring injury, snaps will be hard to come by for the reserves.
One salvation is coach Kliff Kingsbury's willingness to put four receivers on the field together if it's the optimal look, which leaves the door open for players like Johnson and Andy Isabella.
"Coach Kliff has always been willing to figure things out, to get more people the ball and spread the ball around," Johnson said.
Johnson, Isabella and Hakeem Butler are all trying to break out in their second seasons, and Raih has been encouraged by their progress.
"All three of them are more mature and diligent about what they're doing," Raih said. "That's pretty typical coming into the league. It's very hard to be a first-year receiver, a rookie receiver, and come in and get used to the speed of the game and particularly the press coverage."
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