Rookie Fitzgerald gets tips from experienced Cardinals

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Star wide receiver Anquan Boldin and quarterback Josh McCown were among the first to offer guidance to Larry Fitzgerald in his initial workout with the Arizona Cardinals on Friday.

That's understandable, because Fitzgerald's presence in the lineup should greatly benefit both of them.

The No. 3 overall pick in last weekend's NFL draft, Fitzgerald was among 11 Arizona rookies taking part in Friday's first day of mini-camp.

"We've got a system that we really believe in," new coach Dennis Green said. "It's up to them to learn that system, just work, just learn and pay attention."

Fitzgerald said Green's west coast offense is similar to the one his college coach Walt Harris used at Pittsburgh.

"The verbiage is a little different, getting used to the hash marks and boundaries, that kind of stuff is different. But the plays are pretty much the same,"' Fitzgerald said. "Football is football. Catch it and run with it."

Boldin, last season's NFL rookie of the year, is happy to have Fitzgerald around to divert some of the defense's attention.

"He adds some firepower to our offense," Boldin said. "You can't just double one guy, which will help me out a lot. I'm pretty excited about that."

Only one season removed from college, Boldin knows what Fitzgerald is experiencing.

"I think just getting him comfortable around everybody," Boldin said of his role with the newcomer. "I think once he learns, the game will slow down for him and he'll be able to make plays like he did in college."

McCown, entering his third NFL season, got a chance to throw to Fitzgerald for the first time.

"He throws an outstanding ball, a lot of heat on it," Fitzgerald said. "It gets to you quickly."

McCown showed Fitzgerald the hand signals a quarterback uses and offered a few other tips.

"He'll get better as he goes, but I was impressed with him for a first day," McCown said. "He's obviously got a lot of upside, a lot of potential and a lot of tools. That's what you like to see. I'll just keep working with him, get him to learn the stuff, and he'll be ready to go."

Green repeated his belief that the Cardinals can have the best receiving corps in the NFL. McCown likes setting a bar that high.

"I'll tell you, we've got a chance, just from a talent level," McCown said, adding Bryant Johnson into the mix with Boldin and Fitzgerald.

The two previous seasons, Arizona's first-round picks sat out the mini-camp in a dispute over language of an injury waiver the Cardinals wanted the players to sign. Those problems have been worked out, though, and all seven of the Cardinals' picks this season, plus four rookie free agents, took part in the two Friday drills.

Fitzgerald wore No. 11 because No. 1 -- his college number -- can't be used in the NFL.

"I'm very confident. I know I can play the game," Fitzgerald said. "But I also understand that these veterans out here have been here for many years. There's a reason why they're in the league. I'm going to pay them the proper respect and respect the game.

"But also you've got to carry yourself with confidence because you're here for a reason as well."

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