Interior prospects could be available in initial rounds

Zach Gershman

Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort had 12 picks in 2024 NFL Draft, the most by an NFL team since 1992. This year, the Cardinals' six selections will slice that total in half, the least amount of picks since Ossenfort took over in 2023. Their first pick is slotted at No. 16. Arizona addressed some of their needs during free agency, but the identity Jonathan Gannon and Ossenfort have built resembles a draft and develop team.

Primer Schedule: Quarterback April 3; Cornerback April 4; Wide receiver April 7; Inside linebacker April 9; Tight end April 10; Safety April 11; Defensive line April 14; Running back April 16; Outside linebacker April 18

Draft primer: Offensive line

Players under contract: RT Jonah Williams, LT Paris Johnson Jr., LG Evan Brown, C Hjalte Froholdt, RG Isaiah Adams, T Kelvin Beachum, G Jon Gaines II, G Nick Leverett, T Christian Jones, G Royce Newman, G McClendon Curtis, G Matt Jones, C Sincere Haynesworth

The Cardinals' situation: The Cardinals have been able to find a starter on the offensive line in their last two draft classes. Former first-rounder Paris Johnson Jr. is the left tackle of the future, and 2024 third-rounder Isaiah Adams put together some quality starts throughout his rookie season. There's still a desire to add more depth with players that could compete for starting roles. Right tackle Jonah Williams is entering the final year of his contract and coming off a knee injury. The Cardinals brought back left guard Evan Brown and swing tackle Kelvin Beachum and have players like Jon Gaines II and Christian Jones in reserve roles.

The draft class: Outside of LSU's Will Campbell and Missouri's Armand Membou, the top offensive linemen in the class are tweeners, a player with the ability to play both tackle and guard. Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas was a First-Team AP All-American and the recipient of the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy. At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, there's discussions about him sliding to the interior. A similar situation for North Dakota State's Grey Zabel,who was mocked to the Cardinals by NFL Networks Daniel Jeremiah. Guard Tyler Booker has apparently slid down some draft boards after running a 5.38 40-yard dash. Former Cardinals radio analyst Ron Wolfley said on theBig Red Ragethat Booker is "the war daddy JG wants to have at that guard position."

The conclusion: After not making a splash signing for the room during free agency, it's likely that the Cardinals add to the position in the draft. It's inevitable that players like Donovan Jackson and Josh Simmons from Ohio State are linked to the Cardinals with the hire of new line coach Justin Frye. Nevertheless, a team will never complain about adding quality pieces to the trenches.