ARIZONA CARDINALS

WR Christian Kirk says it would be ‘surreal’ to be drafted by Cardinals

Mar 22, 2018, 12:05 PM | Updated: 9:28 pm

Saguaro High School product Christian Kirk set fire to the Arizona state records before heading off to play in college for Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M.

Kirk recorded at least 919 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons for the Aggies and scored 26 touchdowns, not to mention seven more scores as a return man. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound receiver enters the 2018 NFL Draft as one of the top-five players at his position in the class.

For an Arizona Cardinals team that has so far lost two regular wideouts — Jaron Brown and John Brown — and has yet to sign replacements in free agency, the interest between the native Arizonan draft prospect appears mutual.

“Oh, without a doubt,” Kirk told NFL Network when asked if he’d like to land with the Cardinals. “I love the state of Arizona, born and raised a Valley kid. I actually had a private visit with them already. Got to to sit down with the GM, wide receiver coach, the offensive coordinator, have dinner and what not, and definitely really like their staff and what they have going on over there.

“It would definitely be surreal if I could go and play there.”

Kirk left Saguaro with three state titles, 6,617 total yards and a record 103 touchdowns. While he played mostly in the slot at Texas A&M, he’s told NFL teams during interviews he views himself as a more versatile option.

“There’s definitely some people that just kind of pigeonhole me and say I’m just a slot receiver because of what I did in college,” Kirk said. “I definitely believe I can play on the outside and just be an overall dynamic wide receiver. I told all the teams at the combine that’s what I want to do — play on the outside and inside.”

For the Cardinals, believing that would go a way in fitting Kirk next to veteran Larry Fitzgerald, who under former coach Bruce Arians played inside more than outside.

Fitzgerald opted this offseason to return for his 15th NFL season, but the Cardinals have questions of how they’ll fill in the receiver group alongside the future Hall of Famer.

J.J. Nelson is back and has a lot to prove regarding his consistency. He caught 29 passes (61 targets) for 508 yards.

Second-year pro Chad Williams hopes to take a major step forward after he saw limited action toward the end of the year, catching three balls for 31 yards.

While Kirk hasn’t met lately with Fitzgerald, who is currently on vacation, he is familiar with the Cardinals’ All-Pro receiver — and Fitzgerald is familiar with him.

“I definitely have had plenty of conversations with him and he’s definitely shown a lot of support,” Kirk said.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort talks to reporters...

Tyler Drake

Monti Ossenfort keeping trade options open as Cardinals’ draft board nears completion

The Arizona Cardinals have about 95% of their draft board completed about a week out from the NFL Draft and continue to look at all avenues.

21 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort looks on during the 2023 NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

Daniel Jeremiah: NFL Draft is Cardinals’ moment to set up franchise for years to come

The 2024 NFL Draft marks a big set-your-franchise-up situation for the Arizona Cardinals, says NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

1 day ago

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill speaks at a press conference...

Tyler Drake

Michael Bidwill: Cardinals ‘aligned on getting this thing right’ in 2024

Michael Bidwill believes the Cardinals aren't that far off from really turning things around under Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort.

2 days ago

Marvin Harrison Jr....

Nick Borgia

Marvin Harrison Jr. remains Cardinals top pick in latest ESPN mock

With the 2024 NFL draft just around the corner, ESPN's latest mock draft details what could be in store for the Cardinals' first six picks.

3 days ago

Rome Odunze...

Kevin Zimmerman

Peter Schrager’s NFL mock draft has a surprising Cardinals trade-down with Giants

Peter Schrager believes the New York Giants could trade with the Arizona Cardinals, who move down to the No. 6 pick to select Rome Odunze.

3 days ago

Trey McBride works out...

Tyler Drake

Tweaked process, same message: Cardinals begin strength and conditioning program

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon isn't the biggest believer in picking up where you left off, especially on a year-to-year basis.

4 days ago

WR Christian Kirk says it would be ‘surreal’ to be drafted by Cardinals