We have come to the break in the year, where the players and coaches get their vacation and I tend to take a break too. But we have had an offseason of change to mull, and while there is a training camp in between now and the opener Sept. 7 in New Orleans, I try and make my best guess of who will line up on each side of the ball when the Cardinals take their first snaps against the Saints.
Always accurate? No, no, no. The variables are real, and if I could truly predict the future, I don't think I'd use that talent on football lineups. But I digress. Here is my annual, vacation-is-here-so-here-is-my-guess educated guess at the offensive lineup for the Big Easy.
On Thursday, I will post the defense
Quarterback – Kyler Murray. He's in his prime. This is when he has to be his best.
Running back – James Conner. The hope is that Trey Benson can give this team two top backs, but make no mistake -- whether it be tangibly with yards and touchdowns or emotionally with his makeup and leadership -- Conner is the engine of the offense. There is a reason they extended him. It's rare to see a back getting better as he hits 30.
Wide receiver – Marvin Harrison Jr. The spotlight has been on him since he arrived. But the expectations are ratcheted up. He had a solid rookie season. But everyone -- including Harrison -- wants more.
Wide receiver – Michael Wilson. For all the talk about the Cardinals adding a receiver, it is Wilson that would be the most effected. Wilson knows he needs to have better production, but he accomplishes so much of the non-statistical work that the coaching staff loves. The work ethic won't be questioned.
Tight end – Trey McBride. Has an argument as the best tight end in the league.
Tight end – Tip Reiman. The Cardinals love their two-tight end sets, and Reiman had a solid first season as McBride's blocking complement.
Right tackle – Jonah Williams. Twice his knee got hurt last season, undercutting what had been a good albeit small sample size. Should be healthy for camp.
Right guard – Isaiah Adams. The one job that seems to be open, although the 2024 third-round pick has the inside track. Improved his strength in offseason, and needs to show out when the pads come on.
Center – Hjalte Froholdt. In two seasons has developed into one of the underrated guys at the position in the league.
Left guard – Evan Brown. Veteran returns after solid season a year ago.
Left tackle – Paris Johnson Jr. Turning into the anchor left tackle -- and leader -- GM Monti Ossenfort was hoping he'd become.
