Cole Toner hopes to be versatile for Cardinals O-line
Jun 20, 2016, 8:58 AM
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, right, a first round draft pick from Mississippi, battles with offensive lineman Cole Toner, left, a fifth round draft pick from Harvard, during the team's NFL football rookie camp practice Friday, May 6, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
If you go to Harvard, you’re bound to learn a thing or two. Now in Arizona, Cardinals rookie guard Cole Toner wants to learn even more.
On The Doug & Wolf Show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM on Monday, the Ivy League alum told the hosts that he hopes to be able to play more than just guard.
“I’ve been playing mostly guard, I think that’s probably where I could be most effective,” Toner said. “But the thing is you’ve got to be versatile and play all positions up front if you want to be able to make a team and play here.”
Over four seasons at Harvard, Toner played 33 games on the offensive line. He was drafted in the fifth round (170th overall) by the Cardinals this year, having been described in his NFL Draft Profile as someone who “shows the toughness and footwork to win as a run blocker and pass protector.”
He compared his ideal positional skillset to that of his teammate, guard Earl Watford.
“My objective is to be guard/tackle for sure, and then learn center has well,” Toner said. “Just like Earl has been able to do that – Earl Watford – he’s a great guy. He’s been the guy I’ve been looking at to see how he does things. He’s very effective at each position, he’s kind of like the Swiss Army Knife of the O-line. So, that’s my goal eventually.”
Watford, 25, has played 18 games in the NFL over the past two seasons for the Cardinals, having played snaps on offense and special teams in both the regular season and playoffs.
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