There is a lot of pessimism surrounding the Arizona Cardinals this offseason. However, there appears to be some room for optimism, as the Cardinals’ offensive line is getting projected as one of the better units in the NFL based on advanced metrics.
Mike Clay of ESPN put together these offensive line rankings by projecting the starting units for every team around the NFL. In the case of the Cardinals, he has Paris Johnson at left tackle, Isaac Seumalo at left guard, Hjalte Froholdt at center, Chase Bisontis at right guard, and Elijah Wilkinson at right tackle. Clay then combined several metrics to rate each player and come out with a ranking for the offensive line.
When it was all said and done, the Cardinals came out 15th. That’s in the upper half of the league and a step in the right direction.
Looking at the metrics, the left side of the Cardinals’ offensive line is all above average for linemen in the NFL. That includes Seumalo, who leads the offensive line overall with a 7.6 rating.
At the same time, the right side of the Cardinals’ offensive line does have its issues too. Both Bisontis and Wilkinson are listed as below-average players. In the case of Bisontis, that could change quickly. The rookie is unproven in the NFL and now needs to prove himself.
Chase Bisontis is Ready to Prove Himself Along the Arizona Cardinals Offensive Line
GettyArizona Cardinals offensive lineman Chase Bisontis
The Arizona Cardinals used their second-round pick on Chase Bisontis, a guard out of Texas A&M. Now, the college standout is looking to prove himself in the NFL, starting with his pass blocking for Jacoby Brissett, Carson Beck, or whoever is under center.
“Keep the quarterback healthy,” Bistonis recently said. “He’s the franchise. Keep people off him, keep a nice healthy pocket, and, you know, we’re going to score touchdowns.”
Coming out of Texas A&M, Bisontis was praised for both his toughness and his technique. That isn’t to say he’s a perfect prospect, though. In particular, he’s been knocked for the length of his arms.
Interestingly, Bisontis isn’t the only Cardinals rookie who has emphasized his commitment to pass protection. So has running back Jeremiyah Love, who explained that he likes playing in pass protection because it allows him the opportunity to be a physical player.
“I like pass protection because I get to hit people,” Love said. “People always hitting me! Whenever I get to deliver a blow, I’m going take pride in that and do it to the best of my ability to try to knock your head off.”
Since getting to the Cardinals, Love has been showing off his ability as a receiver as well. It’s that versatility that made him such a valuable running back in the draft.
The Cardinals Face a Very Difficult Schedule in 2026
GettyArizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur
There is no doubt that the Arizona Cardinals are in the midst of a rebuild. That’s what makes the metrics about their offensive line so promising. At the same time, it may be a season or so before they’re able to make much real noise.
Making things more challenging is their incredibly difficult strength of schedule. That’s regardless of how the metrics are drawn.
Going by last season’s winning percentage, the Cardinals have the third-toughest schedule. It gets worse against projected win totals, where Arizona is then projected to have the single toughest schedule. This comes as a result of playing in the NFC West.
There is no doubt that the Cardinals have plenty of young, bright spots. For now, though, they’re still looking at a rebuilding roster.
Cardinals Offensive Line Gets Exciting Projection Based on Advanced Metrics