Arizona Cardinals hoping right guard spot settled

Second-year offensive lineman Evan Boehm will be looking to prove to the Arizona Cardinals that he can be their right guard

It was a year ago that the Arizona Cardinals drafted the University of Missouri’s Evan Boehm to be their center. A.Q. Shipley foiled that plan however, winning a training camp battle to be the starter. The veteran will remain there at least for this season after re-signing with the club last month.

Towards the end of 2016, the Cards’ coaching staff wanted to see what Boehm could do at right guard. He did well enough in that audition that he’s currently at the top of the depth chart for the position. As far as him staying there, nothing’s written in stone.

There are a couple of veteran free agents still available if management wants to give Boehm some competition. 33-year old Jahri Evans is looking for work, and has made 169 career starts. Brandon Fusco, with 64 starts to his credit, also remains unsigned.

This month’s NFL Draft could also provide an alternative option. There’s almost no chance that Arizona would use their first-round pick on a guard, but selecting one later in the Draft is a possibility.

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Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp appears to be the top collegiate guard. He’s a bit undersized compared to some others who play the position, but a major talent nevertheless.

Some others include Indiana’s Dan Feeney, Dorian Johnson of Pittsburgh, Temple’s Dion Dawkins and San Diego State’s Nico Siragusa. To nab one of these prospects, the Cardinals would most likely have to use one of their first four picks.

But with the possibility of 2017 being Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald’s last campaign, would Bruce Arians trust a rookie starting? Boehm without a doubt lacks experience, but does have a year of being a professional under his belt.

If Boehm doesn’t appear to be up to par during OTAs, or even training camp, there’s a chance a veteran will be added. Besides the aforementioned Evans and Fusco, more guards could become available later in the offseason when teams trim their rosters.

For now at least, Boehm is the man. He received high praise upon being drafted last year, but made little impact as a rookie. He certainly has a golden opportunity in front of him.