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Arizona Cardinals: Grading 2016 position by position

By Scott Allen

Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jeremy Ross (16) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jeremy Ross (16) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) guard Evan Mathis (69) and quarterback Carson Palmer (3) walk to the line against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) guard Evan Mathis (69) and quarterback Carson Palmer (3) walk to the line against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive line

The offensive line was going to look a little different coming into the 2016 season.  We knew that with some departures.  However, we didn’t expect to see what ended up happening.

The Cardinals suffered injuries and were constantly shifting guys along the line.  The Cardinals gave up 40 sacks this season.  They only gave up 25 in 2015.

Left tackle Jared Veldheer was injured in October and was lost for the season.  D.J. Humphries moved from right to left after John Wetzel was ineffective.

Humphries played well but now the Cardinals may have a competition for left tackle in 2017. Both Veldheer and Humphries prefer the left side.

At center, A.Q. Shipley had to play most of the season as the starter.  Rookie Evan Boehm never materialized the Cardinals had envisioned when they drafted him.

Mike Iupati had what many would consider a down year but he is still an important part of the line. Another rookie, Cole Toner, also was not ready to fill the void at guard.

The Cardinals are going to lose Evan Mathis to retirement.  They lost him a lot earlier than that however with an injury and only ended up playing in four games.

Who will be back in 2017:

Yes: D.J. Humphries, Jared Veldheer, A.Q. Shipley, Evan Boehm, Mike Iupati

Maybe: Earl Watford, Cole Toner, Taylor Boggs, Ulrick John, Kaleb Johnson (future contract)

No: Evan Mathis (retiring), Givens Price, John Wetzel

Grade: D

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