NFL preseason 2015: Players with most to prove

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after an incomplete pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; D.J. Humphries (Florida) is selected as the number twenty-four overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals – D.J. Humphries

Why is he the pick?

Humphries was the first-round pick of the Cardinals this year, and is expected to play right away at right tackle Humphries is replacing Bobby Massie, who did an incredible job of imitating a turnstile for the past couple of seasons. Arizona has remade its offensive line with Humphries and Mike Iupati at left guard, hoping to protect quarterback Carson Palmer.

With the Cardinals having high expectations for 2015, the pressure is on that group to protect its aging, non-mobile quarterback. Palmer was lost for the season in December with a torn ACL last year, all but ruining hopes of going to the Super Bowl that Arizona was hosting. If the Cardinals can protect Palmer, the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship is possible.

What is at stake?

Again, a chance to go and win the Super Bowl. The Cardinals have a solid team but are buoyed by a tremendous coach in Bruce Arians. The former offensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts knows how to get the most from his players. If Humphries and Co. can take care of business up front, Arizona is in great shape.

Next: St. Louis Rams

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