Rookie Profile: Cardinals Have Versatile Weapon in Jon Gaines II

Fourth-round pick Jon Gaines II from UCLA is next up on our 2023 Arizona Cardinals draft class breakdown and his versatility could be king for offensive line.

Up next on our breakdown of the Arizona Cardinals 2023 NFL Draft class is fourth-round pick and former UCLA Bruin offensive guard Jon Gaines II. While Gaines II isn't for everyone, it isn't a wonder why the Cardinals showed some interest in the five-year player.

During his time in LA, Gaines was all over the place but found a home at right guard for the majority of his career. Still, the Cardinals are a mess all along the offensive line and his versatility is a more than welcomed addition to the unit.

With all that in mind, let's get to know Gaines a little bit better and see why Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort had to have him in his first draft class.

Accomplishments

• Former three-star recruit and ninth overall prospect in Wisconsin
• Started 30 games (45 career games played)
• Split starts among three positions in 2021 - nine at right guard, two starts at center, and one start at right tackle
• 27 of 30 starts at right guard
• Honorable mention All-PAC-12 (2022)

2023 NFL Draft profile

• Smart player who demonstrates an understanding of his assignments thanks to a plethora of starting time
• Versatile lineman with experience at right guard, right tackle, and center
• Great athleticism and shows on tape when getting to the second-level and attacking linebackers
• Needs overall clean-up with hand usage and balance, but a willing participant with great football IQ

What the tape shows

Gaines II was a long-time starter for the Bruins and you can see it in his tape. Gaines II is a confident player who knows exactly what is asked of him on every snap. The footwork is clean for Gaines II, but his hand placement and strength need improvement as he can over-pursue and mistime his blocking in the ground game. Cleaning up his balance could go a long way here.

This also lines up as a pass blocker, where Gaines II can get overwhelmed by bull rushes. Physical strength isn't the question here, but rather converting it into his sets. Again, some polish in the hand usage and especially his balance could clean up these issues. Between his knowledge and discipline in completing assignments, there is room here to mature as a player.

Projected role for 2023

The Cardinals' offensive line is a glaring weakness, but the competition at guard is intriguing. The Cardinals may be content with their tackle situation for 2023 and have Paris Johnson Jr. compete at guard with veterans Will Hernandez and Lecitus Smith, leaving Gaines as the third-to-fourth option at best.

Similar to his fellow draftee Johnson Jr., Gaines II's versatility throughout the line was an obvious green flag for the Cardinals when they drafted him. There's no doubt that he will be in the fixture at multiple competitions this year and could be a primary backup or even the sixth offensive lineman on the team if he develops. 

Still, there is quite a bit of growth Gaines II needs to show before he can be counted on as a starter in the pros. I expect Gaines II to be a thorn in the side of his competition throughout the year, but 2023 would be best as a redshirt season for the fourth-round pick.

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