Arizona Cardinals Training Camp: 5 players to watch in 2014

1. Michael Floyd

Ah, yes. The OTHER wide receiver for Arizona. While Michael Floyd and his skills are no secret – mainly because everyone who has seen him at OTAs this offseason has raved about what he’s been doing – the secret may be figuring out how to stop the dynamic duo of Floyd and Fitzgerald if Carson Palmer has time to throw.

Floyd in his 2nd year had a great season in 2013, going 65–1041-5, after having a somewhat disappointing rookie campaign. But much like the other younger players I’ve listed, he had time to develop and learn from a Pro Bowl receiver in Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald not only uses his physical ability and stature to be successful as a receiver, but he also uses a great amount of intelligence and focus that isn’t always taught.

You pass that knowledge onto an even more imposing physical player in Floyd like he has and you have a duo that will stretch defensive secondaries both vertically and horizontally, open up coverage gaps, and give Palmer plenty of passing targets. Floyd’s play in 2014 could be the biggest key to the success of this offense versus the ferocious defenses of the NFC West. When all is said and done, he could end up being known as the Cardinals new Pro Bowl receiver.