When Monti Ossenfort took over as general manager of the Arizona Cardinals, he used his first draft pick on tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who went sixth overall after a series of trades. Now, three drafts later, Ossenfort holds the No. 3 overall pick again and faces a similar decision regarding the offensive line.
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller commented on the situation: “Finding someone opposite Paris Johnson Jr is a pretty important need for this team.”
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa and Utah’s Spencer Fano have emerged as top candidates for teams seeking tackles. Whether either player fits at No. 3 is a decision Ossenfort will make by April.
The Cardinals have set Johnson at left tackle and Hjalte Froholdt at center. Both guard positions are open for upgrades, and right tackle is an area of concern with Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum approaching free agency.
The team plans to address roster needs through both the draft and free agency but has not determined how much investment each route will require.
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur discussed his experience with building an effective offensive line in Los Angeles: “I thought in L.A. we had one of the better offensive lines I had ever been a part of and they stayed healthy and were coached really well,” LaFleur said. “I thought they bought into stuff, and by the way they were really talented. Built organically a little bit. There are so many factors how you use those resources.”
Top guard Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State is unlikely to be available when Arizona picks, while Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon could be considered in later rounds.
If no trade occurs, Arizona may choose between Mauigoa or Fano if it selects an offensive lineman at No. 3.
“This tackle class does not have a Joe Alt- or Rashawn Slater-caliber of a guy we typically see go in those first picks,” ESPN draft analyst Benjamin Solak said. “To me, that dude is not there in this class.
“If you are going tackle early, I’d like to move back before I do it.”
Ossenfort traded down during his first draft before selecting Johnson but might face fewer opportunities to do so this year due to limited quarterback prospects.
Both Fano and Mauigoa played right tackle in college and could fill that role for Arizona. Fano is known for his athleticism despite being lighter than some tackles at 302 pounds on a 6-foot-6 frame; Mauigoa stands out for his size (6-6, 335) and was praised by Miller for having a “flawless” season at Miami.
“Mauigoa is my No. 5 overall player, so … premium position, solidify your offensive line,” Miller said. “If there isn’t a quarterback there, why not build the foundation for one? That’s an argument you’re going to hear a lot this year: Set the table for when you do get that quarterback.”
The Arizona Cardinals are part of the NFC West division and play their home games in Glendale, Arizona. The franchise serves the greater Phoenix area and stands as the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in the United States.
