Arizona Cardinals: Look for improved offensive line

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) blocks Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) during the game at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Arizona Cardinals played with a makeshift offensive line in 2016

A factor in why the Arizona Cardinals failed to win more games in 2016 was due to the offensive line and the issues in protecting quarterback Carson Palmer. Sure, there were other reasons for the eight losses but clearly Palmer was not protected as well in 2016.

After being sacked 25 times in 2015 en route to a spot in the NFC Championship game, Palmer was sacked 40 times last season. Some of that can be attributed to indecision on Palmer’s part but a lot of it had to do with injuries and performance on the line.

The Cardinals lost left tackle Jared Veldheer to a season-ending injury halfway through the year. They tried a couple of different guys at left before moving D.J. Humphries over from right tackle to left tackle.

The move paid off and is likely to secure Humphries a starting spot at left tackle this season. Veldheer would presumably move to right tackle.

Ad for the guards, Mike Iupati was ineffective at times last season. Cole Toner wasn’t ready to play yet. After drafting Dorian Johnson out of Pittsburgh 10 days ago, the Cardinals could see the youngster come in and produce right away. He’s that good.

More from Raising Zona

At tackle they also added Will Holden out of Vanderbilt. He is just an inch shorter than Veldheer at 6’7. He could be a steal in this draft just as Johnson may be.

The center position remains stable. A.Q. Shipley is the presumed starter. The Cardinals were able to bring him back on the cheap rather than over-spend in the free agent market.

Shipley will compete with second-year center Evan Boehm. They have versatile lineman Tony Bergstrom on the roster as well. He can add quality veteran depth off the bench at both guard and tackle.

The Cardinals are building a line that should not only pay immediate dividends but also keep future quarterbacks in Arizona protected as well. With Iupati possibly moving on after 2017, Johnson would move in and be the staple for years to come. The same can be said with Holden after Veldheer is finished here.

Home/Cardinals News