Projected 2020 Arizona Cardinals roster and practice squad
By Matt Murray
Familiar faces on the offensive line.
The Cardinals offensive line took a lot of scrutiny in 2019 due to their number of sacks allowed. However, if you watch the tape or even talk to their star quarterback many of those sacks shouldn’t be counted against the line but against Murray himself. The unit actually performed quite well in Kingsbury’s first-year system and should take another step forward in 2020 with four of their five starters back.
Offensive Tackle (4): DJ Humphries, Marcus Gilbert, Justin Murray, Josh Jones
Starting at the left tackle positions the Cardinals have DJ Humphries, who signed a three-year extension this offseason. Meanwhile, on the right, there could be a battle coming between their three able-bodied right tackles. The Arizona Cardinals will likely have a competition between veterans Marcus Gilbert and Justin Murray but the dark horse could be third-round draft pick Josh Jones.
While I think that Gilbert will win the job and Murray will be the backup to start the season, Jones is a talented player who is familiar with the system. Do not be surprised if he is fighting for a starting spot sooner than later.
Interior Offensive Line (5): Justin Pugh, JR Sweezy, Mason Cole, Max Garcia, Lamont Gaillard
The two starting guard spots will stay unchanged with Justin Pugh and JR Sweezy. The center position will be the one big change entering 2020 with Mason Cole taking over for AQ Shipley. Cole is an extremely cognitive and versatile player and should settle nicely into his new starting role.
As for backup interior offensive line players the Cardinals signed Max Garcia from Denver in 2019 and lost him to injury for most of the season but he is rehabbed and should be able to fill either guard spot. Lamont Gaillard on the other hand will be in place if anything was to happen at center or if the Cardinals were to lose two guards, but this is a position they may continue to look for depth.
Complete Offensive Roster (25)
QB (2)- Kyler Murray, Brett Hundley
RB (4)- Kenyan Drake, Chase Edmonds, Eno Benjamin, Jonathan Ward
WR (7)- Larry Fitzgerald, DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, Hakeem Butler, Andy Isabella, Keesean
Johnson, Trent Sherfield
TE (3)- Maxx Williams, Dan Arnold, Darrell Daniels
OT (4)- DJ Humphries, Marcus Gilbert, Justin Murray, Josh Jones
IOL (5)- Justin Pugh, JR Sweezy, Mason Cole, Max Garcia, Lamont Gaillard