The Arizona Cardinals are relying on a big year for 2024 third-round pick Isaiah Adams in 2025. After getting his feet wet during his rookie season, the offensive lineman is set to be a full-time starter at right guard.
Adams appeared in 11 games during the 2024 season, starting the final five games of the year. 444 of his 462 total snaps were at right guard, with the remaining 18 on the left side. It was a process getting acclimated to the NFL for the 25-year-old, but he’s settled in now.
With one full season and two off-seasons under his belt now, Adams has grown more confident. He started the Cardinals’ first game of the preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs, allowing zero pressures in 10 pass blocking opportunities.
Across the offensive line, Adams’ teammates have noticed how much better he looks to begin his second season. Veteran tackle Jonah Williams has confidence that Adams will be a difference-maker this season.
“I think the biggest difference between last year to this year is the step that [Adams] has taken,” Williams said. “He’s been phenomenal all camp. He was good last year, but he was a rookie; his head was still spinning a bit. But now he’s very confident in the system, and he’s been playing lights out.”
Adams Found One Thing to Focus on This Offseason
With the knowledge he gained from year one, Adams found that his technique was what needed the most improvement. He dedicated this offseason to improving in that area, and it seems it’s paid off.
The right guard spot has been Adams’ since the beginning of camp, with the team trusting his development. The 25-year-old hasn’t disappointed, working to grow alongside new offensive line coach Justin Frye.
“The technique is kind of what separates guys,” Adams said. “Everyone’s very talented, so it’s really, ‘Okay, where can I get my hands? Where can I get my hat? How can I re-establish my base when I take on contact?’ stuff like that.”
Learning From Veterans Has Made All the Difference
With the Cardinals bringing in a big group of new, talented defensive linemen, Adams has had great competition at practice. Learning from minds like Calais Campbell, who is entering his 18th NFL season, has been invaluable.
This change has been a welcome one for Adams, who felt he was “thrown into the deep end” for his first career start against Leonard Williams and the Seattle Seahawks in 2024. With talent surrounding him, he knows he’ll be prepared for whatever the league throws his way.
Above anything, Adams hoped to gain the trust of his teammates last season. He values the opinion of the veterans across the offensive line, and knows he has more to learn.
With 18 pressures allowed in 269 pass blocking snaps in 2024, there is plenty of room to improve for Adams. He isn’t setting his expectations too high, knowing that if he stays on the right path, success will follow.
“I feel good,” Adams said. “Obviously, I’m hard on myself, so I didn’t feel like an MVP or an all-star. I just felt like it was kind of one day at a time.”
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