The definition of an effective wide receiver has long been basic for Jonathan Gannon. The Cardinals coach says it the same way every time.
Get open and catch the ball.
A player like that encompasses a wide swath of body types and potential candidates. When the current Cardinals wide receiver room is evaluated – and the suggestion the addition of a speed element is mentioned – Gannon first brings up the pass-receiver mantra.
Speed means something. But only in context.
"Speed always brings a different dynamic but overall it has to fit into the construct of the offense," GM Monti Ossenfort said at the recent NFL owners meetings. "Sometimes some of those speed receivers, they don't check off all those boxes. Speed is great, no question. But it can't just be speed. It can't just be a one-trick pony."
The Cardinals do have players on the roster that can play the role. Xavier Weaver made the roster as an undrafted rookie last season, although he was only active for a couple of games. Greg Dortch hasn't really been used much as a deep threat, even if he could. Former Eagles receiver Quez Watkins was signed in part for his downfield possibilities.
Suggesting Marvin Harrison Jr. or Michael Wilson wouldn't or won't be used downfield isn't factual either, although their straight-line speed isn't high on their resumé. What is, however, is many other things important to Gannon and the coaching staff.
Wilson, for instance, has proven to be an excellent blocker, and in the Cardinals' run-focused offense, that ability is crucial.
"Receivers all look a little different," Gannon said during the owners meetings. "You're always looking, for all the roles of the guys you have up on gameday, they all play different roles.
"There is no doubt, guys that can stretch the defense vertically, especially on the third level, you have to account for those guys on defense because they can hit home runs and beat you. Whoever we acquire I'm sure will have an interesting skillset."
Gannon, however, noted that all his wideouts need to be able to play multiple spots not only physically but mentally. The few times a game a team might take a deep shot, Ossenfort said, only underscores the reason receivers have to be well-rounded.
"There are different ways to make the offense more explosive," Ossenfort said. "Speed is one of them, run after the catch is another, big and strong is another. That's all part of it."
It is run after the catch that provides an avenue into more choices; it took Larry Fitzgerald a season or two to improve on run after the catch and Harrison should be able to do something similar.
There are wide receiver possibilities in the draft that could add some speed, but whether the Cardinals a) want to spend an early pick on another wideout and b) can find a pass catcher that can check most of the required boxes is important.
Especially the most important one.
"Get open and catch it," Gannon said. "That's what I want those guys to do."
