What a good offseason the Arizona Cardinals have had this year. At season’s end, the offensive line was viewed as a dumpster fire. Both guard spots had huge issues, along with OT Kelvin Beachum. So, GM Monti Ossenfort rolled up his sleeves, opened the checkbook, and signed some seasoned veterans.
He brought in the best free agent guard, Isaac Semualo, then inked RT Elijah Wilkinson and the ultra-versatile Matt Pryor. Hopefully, LT Paris Johnson will be completely healed before Week 1.
RELATED: OT FRANCIS
MAUIGOA PROFILE
The only problem area appears to be the right guard. Isaiah Adams was drafted a few years ago as the heir apparent at guard. Last year, when he started, he was a major problem. Pryor is currently penciled in as Adam’s backup, so that may flip.
Lomu would give the Cardinals a ton of options. Put him at right tackle, slide Wilkinson to right guard, and watch this offense go. Or, move Johnson over to right tackle and insert Lomu to his college position of RT.
Options. How long has it been for the Cardinals to have offensive line options?
OT Caleb Lomu
Draft projection: Round 2
Cardinals pick: #34
———————————————————————————
Specifics:
Accolades: First Team All-Big 12, Freshman All-American (2024)
Positives:
- Explodes off his stance
- Violent hands in pass protection
- Calm awareness
- Kick slide is smooth
- Stays square and upright
- Once he latches, the fight is over
- Good agility with recovery
- Very physical
- Great puller with fluid footwork
- Exceptional pass blocking
Negatives:
- Core power a question
- Needs work with run blocking
- Opens his hips too early
- Hand size below average
- Braces for impact instead of anchoring
Expert Draft Site Analysis
Lomu lined up at left tackle for the Utes. He has an ideal frame with room to add more weight/strength. In pass protection, he has average foot quickness and plays a little upright. Yet, he consistently stays square and does a nice job reworking his hands to avoid allowing defenders to pry open his shoulder. He has excellent feel and awareness against stunts/games. In the run game, he lacks knock-back power, but he fits up cleanly and stays attached. He takes proper angles to the second level and stays off the ground. Overall, Lomu does need to add some core strength, but he has the rest of the ingredients to be a solid starting tackle at the next level.
