Arizona Cardinals could have a battle at center
By Scott Allen
Arizona Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley is the incumbent but could be unseated by a rookie when all said and done
When training camp starts up next week at University of Phoenix Stadium, A.Q. Shipley will come in as the apparent starting center. It may not end up that way once camp and preseason break.
Shipley has managed to hold the starting center position over the last three seasons. He will be starting his fourth season with the Cardinals after coming over as a free agent in 2015.
He could have some competition though. That is never a bad thing. Shipley has had training camp battles before but this one could end up being challenging.
The Cardinals drafted Mason Cole in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan. Drafting a center that high means you have potential.
Even if he doesn’t start right away, Cole could be the future at the position for the Cardinals. Shipley is 32 years old.
If that wasn’t enough competition, the Cardinals can also utilize Evan Boehm at center as well. He played center at Missouri but has been fitted more as a guard in the NFL. Expect Boehm to mostly play guard this season.
The fact is though the Cardinals may not have perennial Pro Bowlers on the squad (yet) but they have three guys that can competently play the position. They will be charged with getting the ball cleanly to quarterback Sam Bradford or whoever else finds their way behind center.
All three guys should make the final 53-man roster as long as they all stay healthy in camp and preseason games. If past experience means anything, the Cardinals should welcome the versatility of a guy like Boehm and others who can move along the line where needed.
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It would not be surprising however to see Cole over take Shipley for the starting spot a some point in the near future. Cole has three inches on Shipley as well. That could make a huge difference.