The Arizona Cardinals expect their offensive line to be better in 2021 than it was in 2020. The went out and traded for center Rodney Hudson, re-signed tackle Kelvin Beachum and also added veteran guard Brian Winters.
They plan on being better run blockers and better pass blockers.
ESPN projects it will be one of the best pass-blocking lines in the NFL this coming season.
Using their pass-blocking win rate and projecting that to next season, the Cardinals rank third in their projections for all 32 teams.
Their projected pass-blocking win rate is 63%.
The Cardinals lack an elite talent along their offensive line, but there’s an argument it’s more important to not have a single weak link rather than being particularly strong at one position. And that’s their exact situation: There is no hole in the line here.
Clearly the market has not been particularly high on Beachum — he re-signed on a two-year, $4 million deal this offseason — but our win rates have always been fond of his blocking dating back to his days with the Jets. Hudson, who joined in a March trade from the Raiders, appears to have fallen off from what he once was, but he’s no liability.
They project Justin Murray to start at right guard, who has done a fine job in pass protection. It is not known yet whether he, Brian Winters, Josh Jones or Max Garcia will ultimately start at the position.
It is interesting they say the Cardinals lack elite talent.
D.J. Humphries is arguably an elite talent and played like it last season. Hudson is the top of his position, although this isn’t as high on him as the Cardinals are.
It is true. The Cardinals don’t really have a weak link on their offensive line. They should get solid to great play across the line.
Is there much more you can ask from a line?
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
Latest show:
Previous shows:
and
and
