Cardinals training camp: Right guard is position to watch but isn't big position battle
The Arizona Cardinals have a number of notable position battles as they have begun training camp. Throughout the offseason, one particular position has had the attention. But as camp has begun, it appears that this job is not as competitive as we thought it would be.
That would be the right guard position.
The Cardinals have not brought back guard Will Hernandez, who had started at right guard for the last three seasons and tore his ACL last year in Week 5. 2024 third-round pick Isaiah Adams finished the season starting the final five games at right guard, but then the Cardinals signed Royce Newman, who has 24 career starts, drafted Hayden Conner in the sixth round and still have 2023 fourth-round pick Jon Gaines.
While it was believed that there would be a competition for the starting job, but that hasn't been the case.
Adams has been running with the first team since the spring, a trend that the Cardinals have had the last two years for their offensive line. When the left guard job was not certain heading into the last two offseasons, Elijah Wilkinson ran with the first team in the spring and was the starter, while last year, the same happened with Evan Brown.
Naturally, there will still be competition, but as things stand right now as camp begins, Adams will have the job unless he gets hurt or loses it.
His performance in camp and the preseason is certainly something to watch, but right guard is not one of their key position battles.
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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