ESPN: Cardinals’ Christian Kirk landed with perfect team

Arizona Cardinals second-round selection Christian Kirk said it was a “surreal” moment when general manager Steve Keim called him on the second day of the NFL Draft, informing him that he would become a Cardinal.

“Obviously, to be able to come home and play for the hometown team … When I got that phone, it was just so surreal,” Kirk said when he was introduced at the Cardinals’ Tempe facility shortly after the draft. “Just no words to be able to describe it.”

Kirk made a name for himself at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, setting numerous state records before signing with Texas A&M.

Not only did the Cardinals land a hometown favorite when he was in high school, ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes Arizona is the perfect fit for Kirk overall.

It’s the route running and toughness with Kirk. He can get open from the the slot, and there is enough long speed there (he ran a 4.47 40) to get on top of defensive backs in coverage. Smooth player on film. The Texas A&M star also brings top-tier return skills to Arizona in the kicking game.

As mostly a slot receiver at Texas A&M, Kirk recorded at least 919 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, scoring 26 touchdowns. He also had seven more as a return man.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound receiver entered the 2018 NFL Draft as one of the top-five players at his position in the class.

While at Saguaro, he recorded 6,617 total yards and a state record 103 touchdowns. His play-making ability helped the Sabercats capture three state titles during his time.

Bowen expects Kirk’s production to transfer over to the NFL, becoming a reliable target opposite Larry Fitzgerald.

As a rookie, look for Kirk to benefit from playing opposite veteran Larry Fitzgerald in Mike McCoy’s offense. I believe Kirk will pile up receptions in this offense working in the short-to-intermediate passing game.

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