The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a clearer sense of direction as they evaluate areas that need improvement. While much of the focus has been on skill positions, a deeper look reveals a less obvious priority for the team.
Attention has shifted toward the interior offensive line, where concerns at guard and center have begun to surface. Strengthening this unit could play a critical role in stabilizing the offense and improving overall consistency.
Arizona Cardinals, Mike LaFleur, NFL
Head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during the NFL League Meetings on March 30, 2026, at Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix.
The Cardinals have shown progress in building their roster, but protection and interior blocking remain areas that require attention. Improving play in the trenches would not only benefit the running game but also provide more reliable support for the passing attack.
Addressing this need could help the offense operate more efficiently, particularly in high-pressure situations. A stronger interior line would allow the team to maintain rhythm and create better opportunities for playmakers to succeed.
NFL Expert Reveals Interior Offensive Line as Arizona Cardinals’ Surprising Need
Arizona Cardinals, Mike LaFleur, NFL
Head coach Mike LaFleur at a news conference on Feb. 3, 2026, at Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe.
Arizona has to address its surprising need on or before the draft this year occurs. This is detailed more in an analysis by Alex Ballentine for Bleacher Report.
Surprising Need: Interior Offensive Line
Potential Targets
Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech (7.2)
Gennings Dunker, Iowa (7.1)
Carver Willis, Washington (7.0)
The Cardinals aggressively attacked the offensive line in free agency. Isaac Seumalo highlights their free agent class and they also brought back Elijah Wilkinson after his stint with the Atlanta Falcons.
But signing two linemen north of 30 years old isn’t going to take interior linemen off of their draft board.
The Cardinals interior trio figures to be left guard Seumalo, center Hjalte Froholdt and right guard Isaiah Adams. However, Seumalo is 32 years old and Adams has yet to entrench himself as the starter at right guard.
Arizona could very well target an interior lineman to develop in the middle rounds. Keylan Rutledge and Gennings Dunker are both the kind of bigger, bullying guards the Cardinals need to build their run game while Carver Willis could serve as a utility depth piece with center potential.
The draft presents an opportunity to add depth and competition at these positions, especially with prospects available beyond the first round. Identifying players who can contribute early while developing for the future will be key to maximizing value.
As the Cardinals prepare for the upcoming season, focusing on the interior offensive line may prove to be a pivotal decision. Strengthening that foundation could have a lasting impact on the team’s ability to compete and grow moving forward.