2012 Fantasy Football Rookie Report: Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Posted by Andy Miley on 08/01/2012 | 1 Comments

Tags: 2012 fantasy football, dynasty football, rookies, wide receivers, keeper leagues, Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald, Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams, Andre Roberts, John Skelton, Kevin Kolb, Ryan Lindley, Rob Housler, Early Doucet

The Cardinals are in desperate need of playmakers.  You can easily scan their roster to notice that. In 2011, Beanie Wells surprised many of his fantasy owners in a good way with almost 1,100 total yards and 10 touchdowns.  Their best offensive threat, Larry Fitzgerald, with 80 receptions for over 1,400 yards and 8 touchdowns was as consistent as the day is long.  Unfortunately, that is where the good part of the story ends.

Kevin Kolb or John Skelton or maybe even rookie Ryan Lindley will be starting quarterback.  Can you feel the excitement jumping off your screen?  Skelton got the most out of Fitzgerald last year, so could that be enough to get the keys?  The Cardinals are expecting more from two of their second year players in Ryan Williams and Rob Housler.  Their second wide receiver spot is up for grabs with Early Doucet, Andre Roberts, and Michael Floyd all battling.

Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Height: 6' 2" Weight: 220 lbs College: Notre Dame

Scouting Report- After re-watching his 2011 games against South Florida, Stanford, and Michigan, there were many things that stood out about Floyd.  Floyd has better game speed than timed speed.  He does a great job catching the ball at its highest point, shields defenders away from the ball, gets enough separation to make clutch receptions, and uses the sidelines well.

Floyd is a big, physical receiver that runs crisp routes, doesn't give the defenders much to hit like a running back, and isn't afraid to use his physicality.  He blocks well in the run game and is an effective hand fighter with defensive backs.  Floyd has amazing concentration as he showed with his TD catch in this year's Champs Sports Bowl.

2012 Analysis- Floyd is not a true #1 wide receiver; however with Larry Fitzgerald on the other side taking double and triple teams, he can be effective as a #2 NFL and fantasy wide receiver.  Fitzgerald dogged Floyd's efforts on twitter for the world to see, so hopefully the young wide receiver can learn from his mentor to increase his concentration and intensity.  Floyd won't be awarded the #2 role as a result of being a 1st round pick. He needs to take that spot away from Andre Roberts.

Floyd's superb run blocking should be the key to his playing time in 2013 as Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt wants to set up a strong game with Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams.  An investment in Michael Floyd this year is one that may not play many dividends in 2012.  If Floyd catches over 40 passes for 550 yards and 3 touchdowns this year, I will be pleasantly surprised.  Once the quarterback situation sorts itself out, I have full confidence that Floyd will work his way to the second wide receiver starter's role by Week 12.  Look for a spike in production for 2013 and beyond for this talented, physical receiver.

Compares to: a more physical Keyshawn Johnson