Josh Fryar hopped off the van and walked through the gate at the Dignity Health Training Center to report for rookie minicamp. The first to greet him was Paris Johnson Jr., his linemate at Ohio State.
The embrace marked the start of a new chapter and closed the book on a challenging draft process.
"It was long, super long," Fryar said. "It was kind of stressful because you hope to get drafted by a team."
While Fryar didn't receive the call of which he dreamed, there was a sense of comfort once he landed an undrafted free-agent deal with the Cardinals. Fryar's rookie class includes college teammates linebacker Cody Simon and cornerback Denzel Burke. He also shares a locker room with multiple Buckeyes.
It also helps that his offensive line coach, Justin Frye, was with him at Ohio State.
"I remember getting on a draft Zoom call with him and he was like 'this is going to be the easiest Zoom ever,'" Fryar said. "Coach Frye is an unbelievable offensive line coach. I think he is going to do tremendous things now with us going forward."
Fryar started every game in the Buckeyes' run to the National Championship at right tackle, recording 30 starts in his Ohio State career. He does have some experience playing guard, which he did during the 2022 season. One of the traits coach Jonathan Gannon liked about Fryar is his versatility as a "multiple position guy."
Familiarity is critical during the draft process. Gannon said he leans on players and staff members like Frye who have a behind-the-scenes look at the prospect. "The first thing I ask is 'does he fit here?'" Gannon said.
The answer to that question?
"I know the guy he is, and while I know he came in undrafted, I believe the Cardinals have a star," Johnson said. "Since I was in college, I always said 'whatever team Josh Fryar is going to be on, he's going to be a long-term guy because of the way he works, his mentality, the way he shows up, and the way he loves to take coaching and advice.'"
During offseason workouts, there isn't too much a lineman can show since they aren't wearing pads. That'll change when the Cardinals report to training camp. Still, Fryar has impressed Gannon.
"He doesn't bust any protections, which is the first thing I'm looking for," Gannon said. "He understands where the IDs are going in the run game, what footwork he needs to take (and) his technique, and how he plays. I look at that too. He's doing a good job."
Offensive line depth is valuable for any team in the NFL. Especially on the interior offensive line, Fryar could find a way towards making the roster with a strong performance at training camp.
Fryar has a lot of support from his Buckeye brethren. While the advocacy is appreciated, Fryar is eager to allow his play to speak for itself.
"I look at it as taking it a day at a time and taking every opportunity I can get to earn a role on this team," he said. "Drafted or undrafted, I think the best players are going to play. Control the controllables and everything will fall in its place."
