PFF: Cardinals boast top-10 offensive line despite turnover
Jul 15, 2016, 7:00 AM
Arizona Cardinals tackle Jared Veldheer (68) during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Even with several changes across the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line, building upon a big year on the ground and through the air is the expectation for Bruce Arians’ club in 2016, according to Pro Football Focus.
Analyst Nathan Jahnke ranked Arizona’s line ninth in the NFL.
Arizona is another team where, if things go right, the franchise could feature an excellent offensive line. On the flip-side, the Cardinals could also free-fall down this list if even just a few things don’t go their way.
The offensive front that allowed veteran running back Chris Johnson’s fast start to the 2015 season and rookie David Johnson fantastic finish is replacing three starters. Only left tackle Jared Veldheer and left guard Mike Iupati return.
Veteran A.Q. Shipley, who projects well in Pro Football Focus’ eyes, is likely the favorite to start at center after playing a backup role with Lyle Sendlein snapping to Palmer a year ago. Shipley could be pushed by rookie Evan Boehm, but the runner-up in that competition will provide key depth with vets like Earl Watson.
On the right side of the line, guard Evan Mathis joins the team with a strong resume but at 34 years old is the oldest guard in the NFL.
At right tackle, second-year pro D.J. Humphries is the expected starter to replace the departed Bobbie Massie, even though he earned the nickname “Knee Deep” in training camp and then didn’t play a snap.
If all three of those new starters works out, it would be a big help to the Arizona offense.
Humphries is probably the biggest concern, if only because there’s no tape on him — Arians has praised him for improving over the past year.
Mathis ranked as the third-best guard in the NFL a year ago, according to Pro Football Focus, and was the top run-blocking guard. Iupati ranked as the third-best run-blocking guard, which leads for optimism in Arizona.
