The Arizona Cardinals don’t center a new center. Veteran Hjalte Froholdt is doing a great job, and the franchise isn’t looking to replace players who are doing their job.
Day 3 guys usually are earmarked for backup spots. Lord knows that the offensive line will go through a lot of bodies each season. And so, depth is required.
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Brailsford is homegrown, having grown up in Mesa, Arizona, and attended Saguaro High School, where he lettered in football and track & field. He
plays quickly and powerfully off the snap. He dictates most battles with a quick punch and superior technique. He gains leverage quickly and has exceptional strength for a smaller center.
Brailsford is an athletic center who plays well in the run game, is very coachable, and could provide the offensive line with a capable backup center if Froholdt were injured.
C Parker Brailsford
Draft projection: Round 7
Cardinals pick: #217
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Specifics:
Accolades: Third Team All-SEC, Second Team All-Pac 12 (2023)
Positives:
- Very strong
- Exceptional mobility
- Is able to get the second level
- Explosive off the snap
- Good flexibililty
- Best at zone blocking scheme
- Plays every down to the whistle
Negatives:
- Not ideal length
- Needs to work on his balance
- Lack of college experience may be an issue
- His anchoring ability is suspect
- Short arms
- On the smaller side of offensive linemen
- Needs to add girth
Expert Draft Site Analysis
For a lineman, Brailsford has the flexibility and mobility to reposition himself and will be one of the top interior athletes in this class. He is best in a zone blocking scheme and plays every down through the echo of the whistle. He excels at making plays in the second level and has the agility to get out ahead of screens and sweeps. Brailsford’s lack of length allows quick defenders to get into his chest and take away his power and leverage at times. When anchoring, Brailsford must work harder to remain balanced against faster and larger blitzing defensive players. He has average footwork in pass blocking, but this can be improved with coaching and experience.
