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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jess Root

Projected starting lineup on offense for Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have concluded their offseason program and are on break, other than rookies, until training camp in late July.

The battles for roster spots, roles and starting jobs have begun and many of them are more or less set.

But based on what we know, this is what the starting lineup on offense will perhaps look when Week 1 rolls around (in 83 days from time of publishing).

Quarterback: Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during organized team activities in Tempe on May 20, 2024.

There has been no question here. Murray is Jonathan Gannon’s guy.

Running back: James Conner

Michael Chow-Arizona Republic

Conner had a career year last season and has become one of the biggest leaders on the team. He will be the No. 1 back again.

No. 1 wide receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during minicamp at Dignity Health Training Center on June 11, 2024.

The Cardinals’ top pick in the draft has been everything he was advertised to be. He should be their top receiver and looks like it so far.

No. 2 wide receiver: Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during minicamp practice at Dignity Health Training Center on June 11, 2024.

Wilson might have competition from Zay Jones, but Wilson seems to have established himself to be the second receiver in their base offense.

No. 1 tight end: Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during minicamp at Dignity Health Training Center on June 11, 2024.

After McBride’s record-setting season for tight ends in Cardinals history, he is not only the starting tight end but one of the most important players on their offense.

No. 2 tight end: Elijah Higgins

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals will likely run a base offense with two tight ends, so a third receiver is not listed here. The No. 3 receiver could be Greg Dortch or Zay Jones.

But while rookie Tip Reiman is a monster blocker, Higgins emerged late last season as a solid option at tight end and will likely be TE2, although Reiman will certainly have an offensive role.

Left tackle: Paris Johnson

Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during 2024 offseason workouts Monday, Apr 15, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

Johnson was moved from right tackle to left tackle and is expected to hold down the position for years following the release of D.J Humphries.

Left guard: Evan Brown

Brown, a starting center for the last two years with Seattle and Detroit, seems to be the guy at left guard, based on what players are saying. He adds experience size and strength.

Center: Hjalte Froholdt

Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2024 offseason workouts Monday, Apr 15, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

Froholdt really established himself given the opportunity to start last season. He was one of the more underrated and savvy additions in the Cardinals’ first offseason with Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort leading the team.

Right guard: Will Hernandez

Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Will Hernandez (76) during organized team activities in Tempe on May 20, 2024.

There has been no question about him in the starting lineup.

Right tackle: Jonah Williams

Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jonah Williams (73) during organized team activities in Tempe on May 20, 2024.

When he was signed, the only question about him was which tackle position he would play as a starter. It is right tackle.

More Cardinals and NFL coverage

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on SpotifyYouTube or Apple podcasts.

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