8. Lamont Gaillard – C
Player comparisons: Rodney Hudson (Chris Trapasso), Corey Linsley (Matt Miller), Brian de la Puente (Lance Zierlein), Quinton Spain (Jeff Risdon), David Andrews (Draftsite)
Despite being the No. 179 overall selection, Gaillard has received favorable comparisons across the board. For the offensive line-needy Cardinals, this comes as a pleasant surprise, but for A.Q. Shipley, this comes as a possible threat to his job.
Most websites had a fourth to fifth-round grade for Gaillard, and he even received two comparisons to high-level current starting centers; Rodney Hudson, and David Andrews. All three share a similar frame around 6-foot-2 and 300-pounds and have the same tenacious, nasty style of play offensive line coaches covet.
The most prolific comparison came from CBS’ Chris Trapasso, as he compared Gaillard to two-time Pro Bowler Rodney Hudson, he said;
"Hudson was an ox in the run game at Florida State and that strength and good athleticism allowed him to punish defensive tackles while staying in front them in pass protection. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Gaillard. Hudson was knocked for his lack of size, and that was probably the main reason he fell to the second round of the 2011 draft. Gaillard has excellent film — especially in the run game — and surprised many by measuring in with 33 1/2-inch arms at the combine. He also was just under 6-3."
Of course, if this is the result, the Cardinals won’t have to worry about the center position for a long time. But, it may not be the most accurate, as if he were graded this highly by NFL teams, he wouldn’t have been a sixth-round pick. Instead, Corey Linsley, Brian de la Puente, David Andrews, and Quinton Spain would be more realistic.
All four previously aforementioned interior linemen have found success in the NFL in different roles; either starting or bench. The four have an average of 52.25 career games started and have seen time either at center or guard. The Cardinals are hoping he can repeat the success of his comparisons as they are in desperate need for starting level interior linemen.