What Cardinals OL Could Look Like in 2023
The Arizona Cardinals were able to do some great things in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Rightfully so, everybody is talking about how general manager Monti Ossenfort was able to assemble some strong draft capital for 2024. The Cardinals seem to be well positioned for the future.
The defensive side of the ball was addressed in major fashion, as the Cardinals drafted an edge rusher, defensive lineman, weakside linebacker and two defensive backs.
Offensively, Arizona nabbed a quarterback, wide receiver and two offensive linemen.
Drafting offensive linemen is never a sexy move. It won't get the fan base riled up, nor will it sell jerseys and put people in the stands.
However, games are won and lost in the trenches. Getting pivotal pieces upfront is non-negotiable in order to have success in the NFL.
How will Arizona's starting five look in 2023?
Left Tackle
D.J. Humphries has this position locked down, it's hard to imagine anybody dethroning him... this season. Paris Johnson Jr. (who we will touch on here in a moment) projects as Arizona's left tackle of the future after Humphries (who will be 30 this December and has a potential out in his contract after this year) is gone.
Dennis Daley projects as another left tackle for the team to use.
Left Guard
This is where the versatility of Johnson Jr. will be put to test, as he can play either tackle or guard. With Humphries still under contract at LT, plugging the No. 6 overall pick here makes sense.
Elijah Wilkinson projects as another left guard here.
Center
This is the most interesting spot along the offensive line in Arizona. There's no solidified starter, but there's a few names that make sense for the Cardinals to play here.
Hjalte Froholdt - the former Cleveland Browns OL - is likely the front-runner to start at the moment. Jonathan Gannon seems to like him there.
Lecitus Smith has experience at the position, but a wildcard here is rookie OL Jon Gaines, who played multiple positions across the line at UCLA including center, right guard and right tackle.
Gaines could very well end up as the starter if he impresses early on.
Right Guard
Will Hernandez has this spot locked up after re-signing with the team in the offseason. You can make the argument he was one of the better/more consistent OL for Arizona last season.
Besides Gaines, Marquis Hayes is another guy who slots here at RG.
Right Tackle
Kelvin Beachum is the sole owner of this spot after re-signing with the team in the offseason (yes, even if Kyler Murray asked Paris Johnson if he can play here after Beachum's comments in the offseason).
Josh Jones is perhaps Arizona's best chess piece along the offensive line and would be the guy here if Beachum was unavailable.
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