GLENDALE – The marquee names of the Arizona Cardinals offense receive a majority of the love from fans. Quarterback Kyler Murray, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and Trey McBride will all have their jerseys represented in the Red Sea during home games. However, a jersey that might need more love is No. 72, that being center Hjalte Froholdt.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Pro Football Focus ranked all the centers in the NFL, and Froholdt found himself inside the top 10. The five-year pro has bragging rights over his NFC West rival centers, who all rank well below Froholdt.
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Hjalte Froholdt (72) against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PFF ranks Cardinals center atop of NFC West:
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No. 1o: Arizona Cardinals Hjalte Froholdt
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No. 19: Los Angeles Rams Coleman Shelton
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N0. 24: San Francisco 49ers Jake Brendel
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No. 31: Seattle Seahawks Olu Oluwatimi
Oct 27, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) celebrates with guard Hjalte Froholdt (72) after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
PFF’s Mason Cameron mentioned that the 28-year-old center had the fifth-best overall grade by a center (76.1) and the fourth-best run-blocking grade (82.9). His 6’5, 310-pound frame has made him a reliable monster in the trenches, as he has never missed a game as a member of the Cardinals.
Arizona’s run game has consistently one of the league’s best the past two season and much of the credit has to be towards Froholdt’s arrival. Running back James Conner the year prior to Froholdt signing with the Cardinals, he rushed for 782 yards in 13 games. The following season in the same amount of games, Conner ran for 1,040 yards.
Sep 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) and Arizona Cardinals guard Hjalte Froholdt (72) celebrate a touchdown against the New York Giants during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Denmark native will be entering his third season with the franchise and has improved every year since entering the league. The bulk of Arizona’s success on the ground will rely on Froholdt and the offensive line’s continuing to be elite.
Cardinals offensive trio ranked as elite in NFL team rankings
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
