Predicting the Starting Offensive Line

Jul 29, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper (61) looks on during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The battle to be a starter on the offensive line is probably the most important battle going on in Cardinals camp. Cardinals quarterbacks were sacked a whopping 58 times last year and Bruce Arians knew he needed to address this issue if the Cardinals are going to be successful this year and in the future. Arians has brought in a good mix of veterans and rookies to compete on the offensive line, and so far this pre season Carson Palmer has yet to be sacked so early returns are good. Here is my prediction of what the offensive line will look like when the season starts.
Left Tackle
This competition comes down to Levi Brown and Nate Potter. While Brown was out injured last year, Potter was a serviceable replacement and gained valuable experience. The Cardinals opened camp with both players receiving reps with the first team offense. Brown has looked solid, but not dominating, and Potter has shown flashes of potential, but was beaten for two sacks last week against the Cowboys. The starting nod will go to Levi Brown to start the season as it seems Nate Potter isn’t ready yet.
Left Guard
Daryn Colledge was the starting left guard last year, but the Cardinals did not select a guard with the 7th pick in the first round to watch Jonathan Cooper sit on the bench. Right guard Adam Snyder was let go in the offseason and Colledge will slide over to right guard to make room for Cooper. Cooper has had a great camp and will go into the season opener as the starter at left guard.
Center
A prediction really isn’t necessary at this position. Lyle Sendlein has looked good in camp and is the starter going into the season.
Right Guard
The fight for starting right guard has been the fiercest in camp so far. Daryn Colledge was penciled in as the starter, but fractured his leg early in camp and was unable to practice. This opened the door for veteran, and Arizona State alum, Paul Fanaika to come in fight for the starting job. Fanaika has been great in camp, receiving high praise from coach Arians and GM Steve Keim. Fanaika’s performance has forced Colledge to fight through the pain of a hairline fracture and compete with Fanaika for the starting role. It is a close call, but I would say Paul Fanaika will be the starting right guard when the season starts
Right Tackle
Two days before camp started the right tackle was penciled in as Bobby Massie, but the Cardinals went out and signed veteran Eric Winston to compete with Massie. Winston has been a starter with the Texans and the Chiefs and has looked good in the preseason. While Massie has shown flashes of dominance he is still too inconsistent and Eric Winston will be the starter at right tackle.