Jon Gaines II Selected by Cardinals - Fit, Grade and Scouting Report

The Arizona Cardinals continue their overhaul of the offensive line with a 2023 NFL Draft fourth-round selection of Jon Gaines II. Here's what you need to know.

Author:
Richie Bradshaw
Publish date:
Apr 29, 2023 2:36 PM EDT

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Arizona Cardinals

The revamping of the Arizona Cardinals' offensive line continues with the selection of UCLA Guard Jon Gaines II in the fourth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Gaines II has been a major factor in the Bruins' offensive line the last couple of years and was a full-time starter at right guard in 2022. Prior to that, he had experience at right guard, center, and right tackle (plus one snap at left tackle) in 2021 and right guard and center in 2020. Versatility is the name of his game.

Athletically, few tested as well as Gaines II and we can absolutely call him an elite athlete with a 96 score in athleticism from this year's NFL Scouting Combine.

But with that said, Gaines II needs more development before he can become an every-down starter. Lance Zerlein had this to say on Gaines for his profile:

"Move-blocking guard whose athleticism doesn’t guarantee consistent body control or balance in his play. Gaines is highly intelligent with a clear understanding of his duties on every snap. His hand placement can be a little sloppy, which diminishes his block sustain in the run game. While Gaines moves well as a run blocker, he struggles to stay under control and in front of opponents while mirroring. Gaines has the mental makeup coaches will like, but he needs to upgrade his protection technique and improve his core strength. He has backup guard/center potential."

The fit is obvious and doesn't need to be overstated. The Cardinals need offensive line help at nearly every position and Gaines II has played significant snaps at right guard and center. He should have a leg-up on his competitors for that versatility, but he's far from a lock given how much more development he needs to be a complete player.

Brentley Weissman also said this on his profile via The Draft Network:

"Jon Gaines II is an experienced interior offensive lineman who has started multiple seasons for the UCLA Bruins. Gaines has aligned at multiple spots for the Bruins, seeing snaps at center, right guard, and right tackle, but his main position was at right guard throughout his career. Gaines is an athletic and agile offensive lineman who will excel in a zone running scheme." -- Brentley Weissman

(Click for full TDN profile for Gaines II)

Gaines will be a player that could reap major rewards down the road based on the athletic problem. Not hard to see why they like him and his potential.