I actually like drafting in this spot, there are a few ways to go with this pick. Would have been much easier with Andre Johnson or Ryan Matthews on the board but I can "settle" for Larry Fitzgerald.
Fitz has been a sure thing at the WR position since his first year in the league. With incredible leaping ability he can go up and get any ball in his general area, and his 6'3" frame doesn't hurt either. Fitzgerald also possesses one of, if not, the best set of hands in the league. With a new QB under center some might worry of Fitzgerald's value but the more I look at the body of work he has put together, the numbers should be there no matter who is throwing him the football. This is a big year for Matt Leinart so expect him to do everything he can to get Fitzgerald the ball.
Not having Anquan Boldin has both its pros and cons. Boldin is a great receiver and thus was going to get his catches and TDs. With him gone more of the focus is on Fitz and he could see even more targets than he has in the past. There are also a few talented young guys on the Cardinals roster (Early Doucet and Steve Breaston)who can step in and draw some looks from opposing defenses. On the other hand no Boldin means more double coverage and fewer running lanes. I don't see this being a problem though as there are few corner backs who really match-up well with number 11 due to his size and speed.
In any standard league taking Fitz here is probably a bit of a reach. However, in a PPR and/or keeper/dynasty league you really can't go wrong with Fitzgerald. He turns 27 at the end of August but does not look to be slowing down anytime in the near future. Take Fitzgerald at number 9 and watch him pile up the receptions and yards game in and game out.
-Projection: 95 receptions, 1,300 yards, 11 TDs
Fitz has been the model of productivity and consistency at the WR position ever since he came into the league. But losing Warner hurts his value a bit. Losing Boldin hurts his value a bit. Separately these factors or minor, but when tallied together, you're looking at a guy who is going to be catching balls from an unreliable quarterback while drawing double and triple teams all over the field.
ReplyDeleteIf the Cardinals' offensive line gives Leinhart time to dissect the defense and spread the ball around to the open players, it will open up more opportunities for Fitgerald. Still, he's the most talented wide receiver in the league, and despite his disconcerting situation in Arizona, he will get his catches and he will get his touchdowns.