Offensive lineman’s future uncertain with Arizona Cardinals

The fact that Evan Boehm was passed over for the Arizona Cardinals’ starting center job could cloud his future with the club

Back in 2016, a fourth-round draft pick named Evan Boehm appeared to have a bright future with the Arizona Cardinals. The front office appeared to be interested in replacing their starting center, and the rookie looked like a good alternative. Just two years later, things have changed drastically.

A. Q. Shipley, the player that the Cardinals were looking to cast aside back then, has torn his ACL. The injury, which occurred this past Saturday at Arizona’s annual “Red and White” practice, has ended the 32-year old’s season. Boehm would be the obvious choice to replace the veteran Shipley, correct?

Not so fast. The Cards have announced that their 2018 third-round pick, Mason Cole, has been chosen to step in. Why is Boehm now so far down the depth chart?

For one, the University of Missouri product did not impress when pressed into duty at the guard position. Injuries necessitated that Boehm act as a fill-in at the spot, and the results were not great. Last year, the 6’2″, 309 pounder was replaced after five games by Earl Watford, who was brought back to the nest after being jettisoned just weeks before.

There’s also the fact that Cole is a highly-touted prospect who the club is extremely excited about. The former Michigan Wolverine has been impressive in training camp, and certainly appears to be confident in his ability to get the job done for Big Red.

There’s also another center in camp. Daniel Munyer is a 26-year old who spent some time in the Kansas City Chiefs’ organization, before joining the Cardinals in December of 2016.

For now, all Boehm can do is fight to remain with the franchise. Perhaps he’ll be able to prove to the Cards’ management team that he is still worthy of a roster spot. Before it’s too late.