Arizona Cardinals: Rookie expectations for the 2020 season
By Matt Murray
Will Josh Jones make an impact for the Cardinals in 2020?
Although Josh Jones was a third-round pick, this is a valid question. The rest of the league is seemingly sleeping on the Cardinals offensive line. The addition of Kelvin Beachum shows they feel comfortable with where they sit. This felt like a depth signing behind the pieces they already have. When dissecting the offensive line room they have clear starters in left tackle D.J. Humphries, left guard Justin Pugh, center Mason Cole and right guard J.R. Sweezy.
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The one position that has a clear battle brewing is at right tackle with incumbent starters Marcus Gilbert and Justin Murray leading the pack. Also in the running for right tackle or depth at the position is the previously mentioned Kelvin Beachum and Josh Jones.
With the shortened offseason and lack of time to build chemistry with the rest of the offensive line, I think Jones will have the hardest time winning this spot. The front runner appears to be Gilbert but with his extensive list of injuries the Cardinals may end up relying on Murray or Jones to start throughout the season.
Jones seems extremely motivated and is coming off a four-year career starting for the University of Houston. The biggest concern I see heading into year one in the NFL for Jones is switching from the left side to the right with limited practice time. If he can make that adjustment easily then we could see the tackle earlier and more often than I expect. He is an exceptional pass protector and showed extraordinary growth in his senior year run blocking.
Overall, I see Jones as a depth right tackle with the chance to start if there are injuries to the offensive line. With his experience at left tackle, he could easily be the backup at that position as well but his best chance to play this season will be on the right side. While he may not make a huge impact in year one, I expect big things in the future for Jones.