2025 Cardinals Preseason Thread

[oaken1]

Why? He was okay in one phase of his job and awful in the other.

maybe...maybe
because one phase of the position requires more technical skill while the other is more of a brute force based skill....
technically speaking a guy who is really strong at the point of attack can be a good run blocker even with lesser leverage skills...but all that strength wont help him to be a better pass protector...so good coaching can make a solid difference in improving his pass pro skills.
however one would hope dude would improve his leverage skills as well and improve in the run blocking game.
my biggest issue with Adams last season was his difficulty in catching guys who got off the ball quickly...not sure if it was a technique issue or a focus issue..but dudes quick off the ball got position on him pretty aften...and when they were physically stronger than him they proceeded to blow him right off the line.....just cant have that with kyler back there..he gets hit a couple times early and his itchies kick in

 

[oaken1]

What is the Domino Effect of Hernandez coming back? Will it:
A. Determine the final number of OL, 8-9-10?
B. Assuming Adams starts amd Willi sits, who becomes the odd man out, on Cut Day?
C. Top three OT's are set, but does the addition of WH, make it less or more likely that a 4th OT will be kept?

Thanks for any insight.

IMO we keep 4 OT's regardless. This mostly because of Beachums age and the fact he is the only one thats a proven swing tackle. so PJJ, Williams, Beachum, JOnes...seems to be a lock for the 53.

if they have been trying this new kid at center...it seems more likely Jon Gaines is fighting for a roster spot...dont need two guys backing up Frodo.....especially if Conner can play Center and still be effective at guard, because I got the impression they really didnt like Gaines at OG and his ability to play center is what kept him on the roster.

 

[oaken1]

Yep him and Benson are the ones coming across my feed the most as having strong camps.

I been seeing some positive reports on Benson too... but since I have personally been pimping him all off season I figured its best if I didnt quote others talking him up as my support may reduce the credibility of the reports.

 

[Chopper0080]

What is the Domino Effect of Hernandez coming back? Will it:
A. Determine the final number of OL, 8-9-10?
B. Assuming Adams starts amd Willi sits, who becomes the odd man out, on Cut Day?
C. Top three OT's are set, but does the addition of WH, make it less or more likely that a 4th OT will be kept?

Thanks for any insight.

I feel like I don't see this discussed but why do we think Evan Brown would start over Will Hernandez?

 

[Garthshort]

I guess because WH has always (AZ and NY) played on the right side.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

cutting offensive linemen? on this team?

 

[Chopper0080]

IMO we keep 4 OT's regardless. This mostly because of Beachums age and the fact he is the only one thats a proven swing tackle. so PJJ, Williams, Beachum, JOnes...seems to be a lock for the 53.

if they have been trying this new kid at center...it seems more likely Jon Gaines is fighting for a roster spot...dont need two guys backing up Frodo.....especially if Conner can play Center and still be effective at guard, because I got the impression they really didnt like Gaines at OG and his ability to play center is what kept him on the roster.

Agree with
1-Paris Johnson Jr
2-Jonah Williams
3-Kelvin Beachum
4-Christian Jones

5-Hjalte Froholdt
6-Isaiah Adams
7-Evan Brown

So , probably 8 or 9. You still need a backup C, but that could be Brown who has played C before so I don't believe Gaines is a lock. Team prefer players with versatility at these spots so I would probably start there. I think the roster crunch limits OL to 9 max unless some players really flash.

 

[Chopper0080]

I guess because WH has always (AZ and NY) played on the right side.

I think he played LG his first three seasons in NY.

 

[kerouac9]

Agree with
1-Paris Johnson Jr
2-Jonah Williams
3-Kelvin Beachum
4-Christian Jones

5-Hjalte Froholdt
6-Isaiah Adams
7-Evan Brown

So , probably 8 or 9. You still need a backup C, but that could be Brown who has played C before so I don't believe Gaines is a lock. Team prefer players with versatility at these spots so I would probably start there. I think the roster crunch limits OL to 9 max unless some players really flash.

I think they can get Gaines on the practice squad and move him up as needed.

 

[PDXChris]

I think he played LG his first three seasons in NY.

That is correct!

 

[oaken1]

I think they can get Gaines on the practice squad and move him up as needed.

Lots of ifs on that though...this is their third year working with Gaines...if Conner shows more promise, enough to knock Gaines off the PS roster even...why keep him?? Use that PS spot for a late cut from another team or a guy you really want to try and develop..
But I agree that Jon Gaines and his...20ish career snaps...should be safe on the practice squad.

I been a gaines fan since we drafted him...but if late rounders and UDFA we are bringing in are pushing him in camp...then the dude just doesnt want it enough. in which case its time to cut bait and let him continue pursuing his career in car sales

 

[kerouac9]

Lots of ifs on that though...this is their third year working with Gaines...if Conner shows more promise, enough to knock Gaines off the PS roster even...why keep him?? Use that PS spot for a late cut from another team or a guy you really want to try and develop..
But I agree that Jon Gaines and his...20ish career snaps...should be safe on the practice squad.

I been a gaines fan since we drafted him...but if late rounders and UDFA we are bringing in are pushing him in camp...then the dude just doesnt want it enough. in which case its time to cut bait and let him continue pursuing his career in car sales

Because you can always use more offensive linemen. There are 17 spots on the practice squad.

 

[oaken1]

Because you can always use more offensive linemen. There are 17 spots on the practice squad.

there is that...and I agree that stockpiling is usually a good idea.
But if Gaines has not earned it with three years of work with this staff...why not grab a guy that got cut from someone else...a guy you scouted, but due to the way the draft fell you didnt pick?
I like Gaines.... but at what point are you beating a dead horse?... maybe a donkey with a pulse is a better use of your efforts

 

[Chopper0080]

there is that...and I agree that stockpiling is usually a good idea.
But if Gaines has not earned it with three years of work with this staff...why not grab a guy that got cut from someone else...a guy you scouted, but due to the way the draft fell you didnt pick?
I like Gaines.... but at what point are you beating a dead horse?... maybe a donkey with a pulse is a better use of your efforts

I think you could cite Froholdt as an example of how different players can peak later on in their careers. It doesn't mean they all can, but I get wanting to hold onto a player you initially liked for as long as you can.

 

[Garthshort]

I think you could cite Froholdt as an example of how different players can peak later on in their careers. It doesn't mean they all can, but I get wanting to hold onto a player you initially liked for as long as you can.

Agree with this. I feel that you have to have faith in your coaching staffs. And, while I don't remember which GM drafted Gaines, but if it was SK and now JG/MO want to keep him, I consider that a plus for Gaines.

 

[Adrian]

Trey McBride expects young Cardinals offense to level up

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride believes the young nucleus of talent on the offensive side of the ball is poised to take a step.

arizonasports.com

 

[Adrian]

What Cardinals reportedly expect from Marvin Harrison Jr., Kyler Murray during 2025 season

The club hasn't earned a playoff berth since the 2021 campaign.

www.yardbarker.com

 

[schutd]

I think they can get Gaines on the practice squad and move him up as needed.

Man, I totally bought into the hype when he was drafted in 23. Entering his fourth year as a fourth rounder and our best forecast for him is PS with the ability to move up as needed? Disappointing. But probably only because I bought into the hype. I just had much higher hopes.

 

[Chopper0080]

16 OL currently on the roster at camp makes the cut to 9 or so interesting. Three rookies Conner, Fryar, Byers(1 drafted, 2 undrafted), two returning Gaines and Leverett, four journeyman FAs Curhan, Newman, McClendon, Haynesworth. Leverett, Newman and Curhan all have 4 seasons of accrued experience. Gaines has 2.

I would guess things are pretty wide open.

EDIT: More info

Newman has some G/T experience.
Leverett just G.
Curhan also G/T experience.
Gaines G/C experience.

Byers mostly RT in college.
Fryar played all 5 spots at OSU but mostly RT.
Conner played every snap at LG but has received C reps w/ AZ.

My best guess...
One of Newman, Leverett and Curhan.
One of Gaines and Conner.
Fryar.

 

[Chopper0080]

Man, I totally bought into the hype when he was drafted in 23. Entering his fourth year as a fourth rounder and our best forecast for him is PS with the ability to move up as needed? Disappointing. But probably only because I bought into the hype. I just had much higher hopes.

He was interesting because he was drafted as a backup C option but only started two games in his college career at C. (I thought it was more). Basically was RG prospect with projected versatility and a decent athletic profile. Looking back, might have been drafted a bit early with that profile (especially since better technique and strength were believe to be needed)

 

[Adrian]

Patrick Mahomes to Play vs Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals will see one of the game's greatest quarterbacks on Saturday.

www.si.com

 

[BACH]

IMO we keep 4 OT's regardless. This mostly because of Beachums age and the fact he is the only one thats a proven swing tackle. so PJJ, Williams, Beachum, JOnes...seems to be a lock for the 53.

if they have been trying this new kid at center...it seems more likely Jon Gaines is fighting for a roster spot...dont need two guys backing up Frodo.....especially if Conner can play Center and still be effective at guard, because I got the impression they really didnt like Gaines at OG and his ability to play center is what kept him on the roster.

Problem is that both Connor and Gaines have looked horrible at C according to reports. Brown is the actual back-up

 

[SECTION 11]

Is Wilson back at practice?

 

[BACH]

I think they can get Gaines on the practice squad and move him up as needed.

Agree.

I think the limitation of 6 veteran players on the PS is a bigger issue than another team signing him at this point.

 

[BACH]

I think you could cite Froholdt as an example of how different players can peak later on in their careers. It doesn't mean they all can, but I get wanting to hold onto a player you initially liked for as long as you can.

And OL are known for not being ready until year 3-4.