Born July 21, 2000, in Ajax, Ontario, Isaiah Adams began his football journey at Father MacLellan Catholic High School as a standout lineman for the Durham Dolphins. He then attended Wilfrid Laurier University (2018‑2019), before transferring to Garden City Community College in Kansas in 2021, where he earned NJCAA All‑American honors
In 2022, Adams transferred to the University of Illinois, starting 25 games over two seasons across all three interior line spots and right tackle. He became a team captain and earned Third‑Team All‑Big Ten honors in 2022 His rise—Canadian HS → JUCO → Power Five starter and team leader—speaks volumes about his adaptability, work ethic, and football IQ.
Athletic Profile & Measurables
Combine and Pro Day numbers showed Adams is a well‑built athlete:
- Height/weight: ~6’4″, 315 lbs (316 at last report)
- Arms: 33⅞″, hands: 9″, wingspan: ~81⅞″
- Testing: 5.22–40‑yard dash, 7.77‑3‑cone, 24.5″ vertical
These metrics reflect a “solidly average‑plus” athletic foundation, favoring zone‑scheme functionality rather than explosive physical traits—but enough to thrive inside.
II. ️ Scouting Profile: Strengths & Areas to Improve
Strengths — The Athletic Glue
- Zone & Combo Blocking
Rated 81.1 by PFF in run‑block grade across 2022–2023, ranking sixth among FBS tackles
Ourlads praises his combo‑block ability and climb to the second level, maintaining body control and power - Anchor & Movement
Described as “wide‑bodied,” Adams anchors well against bull rush and can open his hips for reach blocks - Positional Versatility
Started at both tackle spots and both guard positions—valuable in injury‑prone groups - Intelligence & Leadership
Team captain at Illinois. Sports Illustrated noted his leadership and “fundamentally sound but raw” profile with “athletic upside”
Areas to Refine
- Pass‑Protection Technique
SI noted he is raw in fundamentals; scouts point out he needs to improve pad level, punch timing, and hand placement - Footwork & Recovery
Ourlads warns of slower reaction speed, leading to reliance on upper body—can lose positioning . - Inconsistencies Under Duress
PFF flagged struggles in 2024, claiming Adams “struggled greatly” at RG and depth remains a concern at the position
III. Rookie Year (2024): Establishing a Foundation
Draft & Early Perspective
- Selected in the third round (71st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft
- Viewed as a developmental guard with substantial upside—not a plug‑and‑play starter—given his raw traits
Playing Time Breakdown
- Appeared in all 15 games, starting the final five weeks at RG .
- In those starts, Adams surrendered ~14 pressures and 2 sacks —reasonably solid for a rookie — earning an A– grade from Raising Zona
Team Impact
- Cardinals finished with 2,451 rushing yards (5.3 yards/carry), third-best in franchise history; the O-line allowed only 30 sacks, fifth‑fewest in NFL .
- Rookie performance benefited from strong system and veteran interior play, complementing Adams’s zone‑run strengths.
Coaching Feedback
- In the Cardinals’ official podcast, Adams discussed his offseason work, playbook mastery, and the coaching transition under OL coach Justin Frye
- Practices this offseason reportedly underscore continuous technical improvement and growing comfort with NFL playbooks.
IV. Internal Competition & Roster Dynamics
2025 RG Depth Chart
- Front-runners: Adams and free-agent signee Royce Newman
- Veteran options: Will Hernandez (rehabbing ACL, unsigned) and Evan Brown (UFRA) might return but uncertain
- Backups: Nick Leverett, Hayden Conner (2025 draftee), Jake Curhan —but none offer starter upside yet
Roster Outlook
- Hernandez is still rehabbing; his return is uncertain. Evan Brown is a UFRA candidate.
- Cardinals didn’t heavily invest in free agents to challenge Adams outside Newman pairing .
- They have draft capital and cap flexibility to add OL depth, but cost-benefit seems in Adams’s favor.
Battle Awareness
- Newman brings experience—52 games, 24 starts in NFL
- If Adams shows marked refinement, team’s stake in youth points to him winning the job.
V. Scheme Fit & Strategic Fit
Offensive Philosophy
- HC Jonathan Gannon and OC Bill Callahan lean into zone-heavy running, pulling guards/tackles, and blend into their OL scheme
- Draft strategy emphasized trenches, interior strength, and athletic versatility .
Adams’s Profile vs. Scheme
- His zone blocking prowess, combo‑block agility, and pull-fit work fit seamlessly into Callahan’s mold.
- Strength; anchor; length; and ability to climb in second-level blocks align perfectly.
- His limitations in pass protection remain a concern, but the team appears confident in coaching to close the gap.
Team-Building Continuity
- FO strategy: draft young OL, lean on development, mirror successful OL builds like Eagles/Lions
- Investing in Adams shows the Cardinals are serious about grooming internal talent.
VI. Comparisons, Metrics & Market Perception
Analyst Comparisons
- NFL Draft Buzz ranked him #26 among OL, 4th-round projection; praised his combo ability/anchor, but noted pass‑pro challenges
- Bleacher Report measurables: 6’4″, 315 lbs, 9″ hands, 33⅞″ arms, and average testing results
Statistical Insight
- College PFF Run‑Blocking Grade: 81.1 (top 6 in FBS)
- 2024 pressures/sacks in five starts: ~14 pressures, 2 sacks allowed — not elite, but solid for first year .
Fan & Media Sentiment
- Reddit sentiment skewed bullish: >“I think he’ll be amazing at guard”
- PFF cautioned he “struggled greatly,” but still labels the need to improve as manageable .
- Raising Zona: A– grade with starter outlook for 2025
Market & Offseason Moves
- SB Nation fan survey tags RG as a need spot but backs Adams as key internal option.
- Cardinals used cap space (~$75M) to focus on OL and interior continuity, indicating confidence but preparing for backup needs .
VII. Roadblocks & Breakouts: What to Watch
Preseason + Training Camp
- Adams must polish his technique: pad depth, hand punch, lateral quickness under NFL speed and power.
- Beat Newman in camp reps. Newman’s size and experience provide a benchmark; training camp is make-or-break for Adams.
Roster Decisions
- Cardinals collectively need depth. Even with Adams, they are expected to add competition via draft or free agency (OTs or young guards) .
- Jonah Williams (RT) is returning from injury; his consistency level sets tone for interior return.
Performance Metrics to Watch
- Preseason gameday reps vs. pressure? Sacks allowed? Penalties? Execution in drills?
- Feedback in podcasts like Big Red Rage—Adams reflected on offseason: prepping playbook, technique under coach Justin Frye
VIII. 2025 Outlook: Odds & Gradients
Strong Starting Likelihood
- Nearly every outlet names Adams as leading RG candidate, thanks to upside, starter comp in 2024, and minimal external investment .
Investment Stakes
- Drafted & Coached: Third round pick, coaching continuity, insider development.
- Starter Template: Off-season started with FG accuracy at RG in mind—Roster and team structure support starting Adams.
- Positional Need: Depth shaky if Adams doesn’t step up; they want internal solution.
Potential Hurdles
- If Adams underperforms in camp, Newman’s path emerges. Cardinals may also sign FA guard or draft guard early .
- Technical limitations in pass protection could relegate him to hybrid/reserve role unless refined.
IX. Summary & Final Take (Concluding Words)
Isaiah Adams is on a credible, well-structured path to earning—and likely starting—the Cardinals’ right guard position in 2025. His raw talent, position versatility, athletic consistency, and rookie follow-through combine to build a strong case:
- Draft Investment & Upside: Third‑round pick; athletic and ideal for zone‑run setup.
- Rookie Starter Experience: Five consecutive games with solid—if not elite—performance in both run/pass contexts.
- Scheme Fit: Zone‑based offense thrives on his strengths; coaches have room to mask weaknesses.
- Organizational Trust: Depth chart and offseason choices show clear confidence, with Newman as contingency.
- Room to Improve: A focused offensive line coaching staff can coach up technique—true NFL differentiator.
Yes, technical refinement is required—especially in pass protection and footwork. But Adams’s anchor, intelligence, plus his weight-room drive and offseason commitment all point to a player who belongs in this role. The path may involve early-season growing pains, but structurally and skillfully, he’s poised to take hold of the RG job in Year Two.
Key Watch Items
- Performance vs. Royce Newman in training camp reps and preseason snaps.
- Pass protection progress: pressure/sack metrics and pocket poise.
- Lower-body mechanics: pad height, lateral movement, anchor consistency.
- In-season resilience: can he sustain performance over 17 games in the OL attrition landscape?
