If you read my previous article on the Arizona Cardinals which was their 2025 pre-draft team preview, you could see that I felt they were a borderline great offensive team this past season and the defense was more-so the concern. Despite that the offense of the team absolutely could still use some work headed into next season in order for Arizona to potentially take the leap from very good to great on the offensive side of the ball. The Arizona Cardinals’ major offensive ranks for the 2024 season can be found below.
2024 Arizona Cardinals Major Offensive Metrics
12th in points per game
11th in yards per game
6th in overall offense grade according to Pro Football Focus
As you can see from the above, much of what I am alluding to is indeed evidenced by the above three metrics. The Cardinals were an above average very good but not great offensive team this past season. If the Cardinals want to take the next step and become a Super Bowl contending NFC team, the offense will have to take a step into the great territory next season. Arizona has a defensive minded head coach headed into his third season on the job with an offensive coordinator headed into his third season with the Cardinals as well. With of course star quarterback Kyler Murray headed into his seventh season as the starting QB of the team. Outside of the coaching staff and the QB spot the rest of the offensive personnel of the team had some holes this past season, which is a large part of what kept them from being a great offensive team as well. Headed into next season along with Murray and the coaching staff continuing to grow together, the Cardinals will need to see a marked improvement in terms of offensive personnel as well if they want to become a great offensive team next season. I have conducted a unit-by-unit analysis of the Cardinals on the offensive side of the ball for the 2024 season and also headed into the 2025 season which can be found below. I have included the offense grade that the player was assigned by Pro Football Focus over the course of the 2024 season as well as my own subjective grade of the player that indicates how strong I feel they are in totality outside of just the 2024 season. Beginning below with the offensive line of the team in the 2024 season and also headed into the 2025 season.
Arizona Cardinals 2024 Offensive Line Starters
LT – Paris Johnson Jr – (12/87) offense grade in 2024 over 865 snaps, B+
LG – Evan Brown – (33/83) offense grade in 2024 over 1070 snaps, B
C – Hjalte Froholdt – (7/43) offense grade in 2024 over 1078 snaps, B+
RG – Will Hernandez – (23/83) offense grade in 2024 over 280 snaps, B
RT – Kelvin Beachum – (54/87) offense grade in 2024 over 742 snaps, C+
Arizona Cardinals 2024 Offensive Line Reserves
G – Isaiah Adams – (56/83) offense grade in 2024 over 462 snaps, C so far as ’24 3rd rd
G/C – Trystan Colon – (20/83) offense grade in 2024 over 386 snaps, B
C – Jon Gaines II – (27/43) offense grade in 2024 over 22 snaps, C, 22 are only career snaps
C/G – Nick Leverett – (83/83) offense grade in 2024 over 122 snaps, C to C+
T – Jonah Williams – (39/87) offense grade in 2024 over 343 snaps, C+ to B-
T – Jackson Barton – (55/87) offense grade in 2024 over 157 snaps, C
T – Christian Jones – (73/87) offense grade in 2024 over 74 snaps, C
T – Charlie Heck – (87/87) offense grade in 2024 over 117 snaps, C-
Arizona Cardinals 2024 Key Offensive Line Metrics
4th in pass blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
13th in run blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
5th in pass blocking efficiency
5th in sacks allowed
As you can see from this final set of data the Cardinals had their offensive line produce at a very good and bordering on great level during the 2024 season. The Cardinals, in terms of their ranking in the above four metrics which is indicative of strong offensive line play, were as good as almost any team in the NFL this past season. However, although the Cardinals’ offensive line was still good if not very good during this past 2024 season, the above four metrics can perhaps be a bit misleading. Kyler Murray is likely the most mobile quarterback in the NFL and avoids many sacks and pressures that are otherwise accounted for in the final two metrics in particular. If you look at the Arizona offensive line personnel you could see that they had a good if not a very good offensive line but not a great one. As they had no players that I evaluated to be in the A range and had a below average starting right tackle spot as well.
Headed into next season the offensive line is set to remain mostly the same outside of the right side. Will Hernandez, who missed much of last season due to injury, is no longer on the team as of now remaining an unsigned free agent. Right tackle Jonah Williams who was the starter entering last season for the team but who was unable to consistently stay on the field due to injury, is now set to return to the starting lineup. Outside of that the Cardinals have not made any substantial moves to their offensive line this offseason and understandably so given how well the unit in totality played last season despite having two starters miss most of the season. The only notable moves the Cardinals made to their offensive line this offseason are not resigning the likes of guards Trystan Colon and Will Hernandez. Both of whom were productive in limited snaps for the Cardinals this past season.
The improvements the Cardinals can hope to see from an offensive line standpoint next season will stem from the improvement of young players. Starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr who was a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had a meager rookie season, but then a very strong second year. Johnson Jr performed at a B+ level last season, but given his youth, his high draft status, and his noticeable improvement from year 1 to year 2, he can certainly take the leap and become an A level player next season. 2024 third round pick Isaiah Adams is in line to start at right guard for the Cardinals next season. Adams had a meager rookie season but still played at a relatively strong rate for a rookie. Given his high draft standing and his still respectable rookie season, Adams could potentially break out next season. The Cardinals could perhaps have a slightly better offensive line next season as they likely will stay healthier on the offensive front and could see improvements from young players as well. The projected 2025 Arizona Cardinals offensive line can be found below.
Projected 2025 Arizona Cardinals Offensive Line Starters
LT – Paris Johnson Jr – B+
LG – Evan Brown – B to B-
C – Hjalte Froholdt – B+
RG – Isaiah Adams – C so far as 2024 3rd round pick
RT – Jonah Williams – C+ to B-
As you can see from the above the Cardinals are very strong in terms of a starting offensive line from left tackle to center, but have some question marks at starting right guard and right tackle. At starting right guard and right tackle, the Cardinals will be reliant upon young high draft picks who have shown potential but have not consistently proven they can produce at a high level. As stated previously, Isaiah Adams had a respectable rookie season and is in line to build upon it headed into next year. While Jonah Williams is a former first round pick who has mostly underwhelmed thus far in his career, but has played well for extended periods as well. Arizona will be counting on him to be on his A game next season and produce for the team at the starting right tackle spot. The Cardinals’ offensive line reserves headed into next season can be found below.
Projected 2025 Arizona Cardinals Offensive Line Reserves
T – Kelvin Beachum – C+ to B-
G – Hayden Conner – 2025 sixth rounder
C – Jon Gaines – C
T/G – Royce Newman – C
T – Christian Jones – C
T – Valentin Senn – UDFA 2025
G – Jake Curhan – D+ to C-
G – Sincere Haynesworth – 0 career snaps, UDFA 2024
G – Nick Leverett – C+
T – Josh Fryar – UDFA 2025
T – McClendon Curtis – 0 career snaps, UDFA 2023
T – Jeremiah Byers – UDFA 2025
The Cardinals have some strong options off the bench who can provide depth for the team and potentially transition to a starting role as the season progresses. The two primary players I am referring to here are tackle Kelvin Beachum and guard Nick Leverett. The Cardinals had an above average to a well above average offensive line during the 2024 season and are in position to perhaps even improve upon that heading into next year. I have conducted a similar analysis of the team’s skill position players from this past season and also headed into next season as well which can be found below.
2024 Arizona Cardinals Skill Position Players
Wide Receivers
WR – Marvin Harrison Jr – (24/110) offense grade in 2024 over 865 snaps, B+ to A- so far as ’24 1st round pick
WR – Michael Wilson – (83/110) offense grade in 2024 over 822 snaps, C to C+
WR – Greg Dortch – (74/110) offense grade in 2024 over 432 snaps, C
WR – Zay Jones – (107/110) offense grade in 2024 over 257 snaps, C
WR – Zach Pascal – (110/110) offense grade in 2024 over 69 snaps, C
WR – Xavier Weaver – (109/110) offense grade in 2024 over 57 snaps, D
WR – Chris Moore – (106/110) offense grade in 2024 over 27 snaps, C
Tight Ends
TE – Trey McBride – (2/45) offense grade in 2024 over 934 snaps, B+ to A-
TE – Tip Reiman – (45/45) offense grade in 2024 over 451 snaps, D so far as ’24 3rd rounder
TE – Elijah Higgins – (31/45) offense grade in 2024 over 412 snaps, C
TE – Travis Vokolek – (45/45) offense grade in 2024 over 12 snaps, D+
Running Backs
HB – James Conner – (5/58) offense grade in 2024 over 619 snaps, B+
HB – Emari Demercado – (30/58) offense grade in 2024 over 164 snaps, C+
HB – Trey Benson – (44/58) offense grade in 2024 over 137 snaps, C so far as ’24 3rd rounder
HB – Michael Carter – (46/58) offense grade in 2024 over 132 snaps, C to C+
HB – DeeJay Dallas – (15/58) offense grade in 2024 over 55 snaps, C to C+
HB – Tony Jones Jr – (21/58) offense grade in 2024 over 5 snaps, C
As you can see from the above the Cardinals had some really high-end talent in their skill positions this past season. Marvin Harrison Jr, who was drafted fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft had a very strong rookie season and is set to emerge as a star wide out in the league for years. Trey McBride who was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft has lived up to expectations thus far in the NFL and was graded as the 2nd best overall tight end in the league in 2024. Running back James Conner although he does lack consistency from time to time still has an electric ceiling as a running back. Conner graded as a top five running back in the NFL in terms of an overall offense grade according to Pro Football Focus in 2024. With 2024 being the second straight season he has ranked top five in that category. While 2024 was also the second straight season he has accumulated over 1000 rushing yards. However, the position of concern not just in regards to the skill positions but to the offense in totality was the secondary wide out spot. Michael Wilson was the team’s #2 wide out but disappointed in that role this past season. Wilson was drafted pretty highly in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft and had a solid rookie season. Given his draft standing and his solid rookie season, it was not crazy to think that Wilson could turn into an above average starting wide out in the NFL. However, Wilson really had a sophomore slump type of season and Arizona is banking on him to build off his rookie season next year and emerge as a strong player. One of the biggest weaknesses of the Cardinals last season was the lack of capable wide outs who complemented #1 wide out Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals’ projected 2025 skill position lineup can be found below.
2025 Projected Arizona Cardinals Skill Position Lineup
Wide Receivers
WR – Marvin Harrison Jr – B+ so far as 2024 first round pick
WR – Michael Wilson – C
WR – Greg Dortch – C
WR – Zay Jones – C
WR – Simi Fehoko – only 10 receptions in three seasons
WR – Xavier Weaver – UDFA 2024, 0 career receptions
WR – Andre Baccellia – UDFA 2020, 7 career receptions
WR – Tejhaun Palmer – 2024 6th rounder, 0 career receptions
WR – Quez Watkins – C
WR – Trishton Jackson – UDFA 2020, 2 career receptions
WR – Bryson Green – 2025 UDFA
Tight Ends
TE – Trey McBride – A-
TE – Tip Reiman – D so far as 2024 third rounder
TE – Elijah Higgins – C
TE – Josiah Deguara – C-
Running Backs
HB – James Conner – B+ to A-
HB – Trey Benson – C so far as 2024 third rounder
HB – Emari Demercado – C+
HB – Michael Carter – C to C+
As you can see from the above the Cardinals from a skill position player standpoint project to field mostly the same players headed into next season with essentially the same exact starting lineup of skill position players. The improvements that Arizona is hoping to see from a skill position player standpoint stems from the development of young players, in particular their top two wide receivers in Marvin Harrison Jr and Michael Wilson. Marvin Harrison Jr was drafted incredibly high for a wide receiver and had a strong rookie season but certainly was not in peak form. Arizona is optimistic that he can begin to find his peak form headed into next season. Michael Wilson as stated previously was drafted relatively high in the third round of the 2023 draft and had a solid rookie season. Wilson, however, really regressed this past season and Arizona is banking on that being an aberration and him building upon his strong rookie campaign instead.
From a depth standpoint in terms of the skill positions, a similar narrative of Arizona banking on the improvement of young players continues to persist. Emari Demercado has shown a very high ceiling thus far in the NFL after being picked up as an undrafted free agent by Arizona before the 2023 season. Demercado has the capacity to be one of the premier #2 half backs in the NFL and Arizona is banking on his continued growth. Running back Trey Benson had a decent rookie season as a third-round pick in 2024 and is in line to emerge as a strong player and hopefully for Arizona’s sake, a high-end backup next season. Tight end Tip Reiman had a disappointing rookie season in 2024, but being drafted so high in the third round, he is also in line to emerge as a high-end backup for the Cardinals. The Cardinals have two potential high end backup running backs and one potential high end backup tight end. They do not have as strong of reserve options at the wide receiver spot but former second round pick Zay Jones could provide them with a strong reserve at the position. Being drafted so high in the 2nd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Zay Jones has been mostly a disappointment but still has played at a strong level from time to time. Given his very high draft status and his strong play from time to time, Jones could be a strong reserve option for Arizona at wide receiver next season.
In totality, the Cardinals were a very good offensive team this past season grading as the 6th best overall offense in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. While also grading just outside the top ten in terms of both points and yards accumulated. Headed into next season Arizona has made little to no notable offseason personnel moves on the offensive side of the ball. The improvements that the Cardinals are hoping to see from an offensive standpoint stem from the improvement of young players. Young players such as Marvin Harrison Jr and Michael Wilson at wide receiver in particular. The improvements that Arizona is hoping to see from an offensive standpoint also stem from the continued growth of the coaching staff in cohesion with star QB Kyler Murray. Head coach Jonathan Gannon’s first season on the job as head coach of Arizona was in the 2023 campaign. While the 2023 campaign was also the first season on the job for Arizona offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. With Murray missing almost the entire season in 2023, the 2024 season was the de-facto first season that QB Kyler Murray had with his head coach and offensive coordinator. As a result, there certainly were some growing pains which contributed to the offense not reaching its potential in 2024. As a result of the offense not reaching its potential last season, the offense peaked as a very good but not a great offense in 2024. Headed into next season as quarterback Murray, head coach Gannon, and offensive coordinator Petzing go into their second full season together, the offense as a result will be in position to grow, and potentially become a great offense.
