With the 24th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected Florida Gators offensive tackle D.J. Humphries. Humphries is the fifth offensive linemen to be taken off the board, and projects to start immediately at right tackle with the ability to play left.
Humphries is one of the bigger players in the draft at 6'5 and 307 pounds. After starring at Florida over the past three seasons, the junior put forth a solid effort at the NFL Combine with 26 reps on the bench press of 225 pounds and a 31-inch vertical jump.
With the Gators, Humphries started 19 games throughout his college career, earning All-Freshman SEC honors in 2012. In 2013, Humphries only played in seven games due to a sprained MCL, but rebounded in his junior year to play all but two games.
Humphries is a big, strong kid who has the right attitude to play along the line. His main issue is staying on the field and learning better technique. Considering Humphries has only played in 29 college games, it stands to reason he needs more developing. An NFC scout had the following to say about Humphries, per NFL.com.
"What made me really take notice was the way he handled Shane Ray when they played. If you can block that guy, you can play in the league."
With quarterback Carson Palmer back and healthy, the Cardinals figure to improve in the passing game with Humphries protecting him. Arizona ranked 14th in yards through the air under head coach Bruce Arians, suffered through a number of injuries and still managed to threaten in the NFC West. Their newest addition will make them more dangerous.