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Arizona Cardinals draft radar: Senior bowl standouts

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Jan 30, 2021; Mobile, AL, USA; National defensive lineman Shaka Toney of Penn State (18), wide receiver Frank Darby of Arizona State (84) and other players greet fans after the 2021 Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2021; Mobile, AL, USA; National defensive lineman Shaka Toney of Penn State (18), wide receiver Frank Darby of Arizona State (84) and other players greet fans after the 2021 Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /
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OL D’Ante Smith-ECU

ANNAPOLIS, MD – SEPTEMBER 14: Malcolm Perry #10 of the Navy Midshipmen shakes hands with D’Ante Smith #67 of the East Carolina Pirates ahead of a game at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium on September 14, 2019, in Annapolis, Maryland (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD – SEPTEMBER 14: Malcolm Perry #10 of the Navy Midshipmen shakes hands with D’Ante Smith #67 of the East Carolina Pirates ahead of a game at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium on September 14, 2019, in Annapolis, Maryland (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /

I have been on record and vocal regarding the status of Arizona’s offensive line woes. There are opportunities to upgrade tackle and the interior line groupings. Protecting Kyler Murray and moving bodies in the run game will spell positive results for the Cardinals in 2021.

ECU’s versatile offensive lineman, D’Ante Smith is listed at 6 foot 5, 294 pounds, and 35 1/4 inch arms. Smith could benefit from adding more weight to fill out his linear frame. From a skillset standpoint, he would fare well in Kingsbury’s version of the Air Raid offense.

Smith does a nice job deploying a quick kick slide, also quick in his jump sets. Despite being south of 300 pounds, he shoots a power punch before locking those long limbs and anchoring on his block. He plays with a nice level of aggression at the point of attack.

During senior bowl practices, he spent time inside at guard and held his own. His ability to laterally with quickness bodes well for his possible fit with the Cardinals.

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