The Cardinals' offensive line held its own in 2025 when blocking for Jacoby Brissett, a quarterback who primarily stays in the pocket and avoids scrambling. As a matter of fact, Brissett ranked twelfth when it came to time to throw from the pocket.
A unit headlined by Paris Johnson Jr., this unit helped open up the passing game in a season that did not have many highlights in other parts of the field.
However, on the other side of the line, the team has 36-year-old Kelvin Beachum. While he was solid, he is at the end of his contract and may be nearing retirement. Therefore, it may be time for Arizona to evaluate its options at the position to replace the 14-year NFL veteran.
The Athletic released a mock draft on Thursday, and they were spot on with the Cardinals' approach at pick No. 3, which they hold onto ahead of April’s draft.
MORE: Cardinals will get full display on two candidates today during Divisional Round matchup
The Athletic has Arizona taking Utah OT Spencer Fano at pick No. 3
It’s a toss-up when it comes to whether it will be Utah’s Spencer Fano or Miami’s Francis Mauigoa as the first offensive lineman off the board. What we do know, though, is that either one will be impactful on the Cardinals' offensive line.
Arizona lost three running backs to season-ending injuries, and they had to rely heavily on the passing game. In hindsight, the team saw Michael Wilson emerge as a borderline elite pass catcher, while also seeing a pocket passer have success behind the offensive line.
Again, there are flaws in that unit, and the best remedy would be to select one of the best pass protectors in the draft. Criteria that both Fano and Mauigoa meet.
It will be very interesting to see how the general manager and his scouts evaluate offensive line talent as we get closer to the combine.