Depth, tackles swap mean no urgency along O-line
The first round of the draft holds a great deal of intrigue for Cardinals fans, whose team holds the No. 13 selection. We break down eight key position groups, day by day, as the big day approaches.
Today: Offensive line
It’s intriguing that coaches have decided to flip the tackles, with D.J. Humphries moving to left and Jared Veldheer to right. Humphries played well at left tackle last year after Veldheer suffered a torn triceps tendon in the eighth game, but I thought the Cardinals were a year away from moving Humphries there full time. Overall, the starting unit appears solid. A.Q. Shipley had a good season last year, and Evan Boehm played well when forced in the lineup later in the year. John Wetzel is valuable because he can play every position except center. If healthy, this group should be provide decent protection for quarterback Carson Palmer, and it’s athletic and powerful enough to be an effective run-blocking unit.
Depth chart
Starters: LT D.J. Humphries, LG Mike Iupati, C A.Q. Shipley, RG Evan Boehm, RT Jared Veldheer. Backups: G Cole Toner, G/T John Wetzel, T Ulrick John, T Givens Price, C/G Daniel Munyer. Evaluation: The starting unit is fine, and there is some position flexibility, which is always important on the offensive line. Shipley and Boehm can play guard and center. Wetzel can play guard and tackle. The numbers are thin at guard, so the Cardinals are likely to add players there via the draft or free agents in the spring and summer. Need rating: Moderate Most gurus don’t think there is much depth on the offensive line in this draft, and it’s hard to see the Cardinals taking an offensive lineman early. They have shown a tendency, however, to take smart guys later, even though they need refinement. Boehm and Toner fit that mold.
Mac's top 5
azcentral sports NFL writer Bob McManaman lists his top five prospects among offensive linemen: 1. OT Ryan Ramczyk, 6-6, 310, Wisconsin 2. OT Garett Bolles, 6-5, 297, Utah 3. OT Cam Robinson, 6-6, 322, Alabama 4. OG Dan Feeney, 6-4, 3-5, Indiana 5. OT/OG Forrest Lamp, 6-4, 309, Western Kentucky