Hakeem was one of the three wide receivers the Arizona Cardinals selected in the 2019 NFL draft. Incredibly productive at Iowa State, the Cardinals were able to take him with the first pick of the fourth round. Some projected Butler would get selected as high as the first or second round.
Cardinals wide receivers coach David Raih spoke about Butler and his potential on the Coaches Chronicle podcast.
The first trait Raih used to describe Butler is “mentally tough,” a trait he says all three of the drafted receivers have.
At 6-5, 227 pounds, “he’s just your big rangy guy who’s got a ton of physicality.”
He also has speed.
However, Butler is “just raw” in terms of a player.
“His footwork is raw,” Raih said. “We’re going to train him to really increase his route ability, but as far as mindset, ability, length, hands, he ran a 4.48, he’ll be an outside guy to start and I’m really looking forward to training with him.”
It would appear the Cardinals will give him a specific role on the outside. As of right now, he projects as the team’s fourth wide receiver, which will give him limited snaps in terms of playing time. However, his length and speed give him the opportunity be an impact player with even limited opportunities as a rookie.
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