The competition on the offensive line will be fierce when the Arizona Cardinals come together for this summer’s training camp
The Arizona Cardinals must believe that competition can bring out the best in NFL players. General manager Steve Keim has assembled quite a group of offensive lineman, all set to battle for a handful of roster spots. The cream of the crop will rise to the top this summer during training camp.
Four of the unit’s five starters appear to be set. Jared Veldheer, Mike Iupati, A.Q. Shipley and D.J. Humphries will resume their duties from 2016 (although Veldheer and Humphries will most likely swap tackle positions). Second-year Cardinal Evan Boehm has been awarded the right guard post, at least for the time being.
The depth behind the starting five will consist of four or five reserves. The recent signing of veteran Tony Bergstrom is an interesting one. The 30-year old will provide depth at center and guard, but could possibly earn a starting role if needed.
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Head coach Bruce Arians loves versatility on the roster. John Wetzel, Ulrick John and Cole Toner remain, and all three are capable of playing at tackle OR guard. That increases their chances of sticking around once the club starts trimming fat during the preseason.
Two lineman from last week’s draft have a good shot of being with the team this year. Pittsburgh’s Dorian Johnson was a second-round talent who slipped down to the fourth round due to some concerns with his liver. From all accounts the ailment is under control, so the Cards may have pulled off one of the steals of the draft.
Fifth-round pick Will Holden of Vanderbilt also offers the versatility that Arians is so fond of. He played both tackle positions in college, and could possibly even see time at guard with the Cards.
The battle lines are drawn. Keim has put together a solid mix of youngsters and veterans to go to war with. Figuring out which ones deserve to remain in Arizona will be no easy task.