Cardinals training camp: With starters set, O-line depth has tight battle
The Arizona Cardinals have a number of notable position battles as they have begun training camp. Some battles are for starting jobs, while others are for key reserve spots. A pair of positions believed to have key battles — right guard and "Mike" linebacker — seem to be set with new starters.
Others, though, have intrigue.
Cardinals training camp position battle: Offensive line depth
The Cardinals have six offensive line spots locked in — their five projected starters and backup tackle Kelvin Beachum.
Their starters are expected to be left tackle Paris Johnson, left guard Evan Brown, center Hjalte Froholdt, right guard Isaiah Adams and right tackle Jonah Williams. Beachum is locked in as the backup swing tackle.
After that, there are three, maybe four, spots remaining for the 53-man roster.
Only two spots will be for regularly being active on game day, meaning they need a backup center and then a backup guard, perhaps who can play guard and tackle.
The Cardinals kept nine last season. The final spot was always inactive, so someone they want to keep on the roster.
For the backup center, Jon Gaines held the job last season and probably is the favorite to have it again, but they also have Nick Leverett, Sincerer Haynesworth and rookie Hayden Conner who can play center, too.
Leverett can literally play all over the line, although he is a stronger interior guy than tackle.
Royce Newman and Jake Curhan were free agent additions. Newman has starting experience at guard. Curhan can play guard and tackle.
They have tackle Christian Jones, a fifth-round pick last year, though he would be someone to fill spot No. 9, as well as undrafted rookie tackle Josh Fryar.
McClendon Curtis is also an intriguing option for guard.
So while the starting lineup is pretty set (barring the return of Will Hernandez, which would then push Adams into a locked-in backup guard role), the reserve linemen will be guys to watch in the preseason.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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