One thing is certain: the 2026 version of the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line will be completely different.
That will be a good thing. But the 2025 version stunk to the tune of being ranked #26 as a group.
RELATED: FREE AGENCY TRACKER OG DAVID EDWARDS
Both tackle spots, Jonah Williams and Paris Johnson, ended up on IR. One replacement, Kelvin Beachum, was absolutely horrible. On the Cardinals’ free agent catalog going forward are listed both Beachum and Williams. So, the offensive tackle position is in line for a new body.
C Hjalte Froholdt does a great job in the middle. The guard spots? Don’t get us started.
Talk about a mess. Evan Brown needs a lot of work. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade was a paltry 54.3, with his run blocking mark a very sad 49.0. Yikes. Will Hernandez was hurt, then returned, then became injured again.
Could the Cardinals strip out both guard positions and insert two new guys through the NFL draft and/or the free agency period?
They may. And could. Free agency begins March 9, which is right around the corner.
Dylan Parham is just 26-years old, so he could develop and grow within the new system laid out by new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, and offensive coach. Parham was taken in the third round, so he was highly-regarded coming out of the University of Memphis.
Let’s look at what Parham can offer this new Arizona offense.
OG Dylan Parham
Las Vegas Raiders
NFL draft: 2022 Round 3, pick #90 (Raiders)
PFF ranking: 63.6
Accolades: NFL All-Rookie Team (2022), First Team All-AAC (2021), Senior Bowl invite
2025 season: 15 starts, 842 offensive snaps (97%)
———————————————————————————————————-
First off, Parham has versatility. He has played significant snaps (nearly 4,000) for the Raiders, primarily as a guard but with experience at center. But he has played right tackle and right guard in college. He has elite mobility in his ankles, knees, and hips in order to get up under defenders.
Was a four-year starter at Memphis and has proven to be durable. He did not allow any sacks in his senior year and has good balance with choppy settle steps that go into his blocks.
He has above-average body control but will fire off the snap. Below-average mirror quickness and overall length are exploitable holes in his pass protection. He is blessed with large hands and a broad chest, which allows him become an adequate anchor. Difficult to bull rush.
The knock on him is that he will allow pass rushers openings into his frame pre-punch. He has average athleticism and needs to slide his feet rather than always rely on reach.
Parham has excellent bend while battling with defenders for position and displays a wide base. He is the very sign of stability.