The Arizona Cardinals could be looking for offensive line help through the draft
Protecting the Edges on the Pass Rush
Year one of Kliff Kingsbury and the Air Raid offensive scheme is winding down and with signs of life here at the end of the season the need for additional offensive line protection is obvious for more success next season. The past few weeks have shown that offensively Coach Kingsbury is not only willing to work with the Air Raid but a new term is floating around: the “Ground Raid” which is just another component of any balanced offensive scheme at the NFL level. Teams that throw the ball a majority of the team will face additional pass rushing and the Cardinals need to build a list of 2020 draft prospects to help out defending Kyler Murray in the pocket.
There are many candidates available in the 2020 Draft who could fill the gaps at offensive tackle. One of the top potential draft recruits that tops many NFL lists of course is Andrew Thomas out of Georgia.
Thomas, a 6-5, 320 lb. left tackle is rated at the top for pass protection and could be immediately put to work to protect Kyler Murray’s blind side. Thomas also has a projected 40 yard dash speed of 5.10 which is in line with outside pass blockers.
Another strong candidate who is starting to get serious attention right now is Mekhi Becton out of Louisville. Becton is a very large athlete at 6-7 and reported 369 lbs. But will no doubt slim down by the time of the NFL combine. Becton has played largely under the radar but has fast feet for such a large player and could be used to play right tackle and wall off pass rushers.
If the Cardinals are looking for a proven right tackle who could step in and quickly transition into the NFL then they need to look at Jedrick Wills from Alabama. Wills is a 6-5, 320 lb. right tackle for the Crimson Tide who has a projected 40 time at 5.17 and is widely regarded as a standout member of the Alabama O line.
One final candidate that should be looked at is Prince Tega Wanogho from Auburn whos is a 6-7, 301 lb. left tackle and is noted with his quickness having a 40 projected time right at 5.00. The biggest drawback to Wanogho is his projected rawness which may move him down to become a lower round draft pick. However, the silver lining for the Cardinals is that he may be a bargain draft choice and with lots of work and consistency he could turn into a great addition to the O line for the Cardinals.