The Arizona Cardinals have done an excellent job of drafting since Steve Keim took over. Keim has thrived in finding solid to great players in every round of the draft.
After one preseason game, Evan Boehm has added his name to the list, as he was Pro Football Focus' top rookie center graded in week one of the preseason.
Top graded rookies in week 1 of the preseason
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) August 16, 2016
OT - Ronnie Stanley, BAL
OG - Joe Thuney, NE
C - Evan Boehm, AZ
ILB - Deion Jones, ATL
Boehm stood out for many reasons, his hiccups with the snaps aside, as he continued to show that his senior season was an aberration about being unable to play in space. He was dealing with an injury the entire season, which unfortunately limited his mobility, but he made every start at center for Missouri. For that, he was penalized heading into the 2016 NFL Draft because teams did not know whether or not he could provide solid blocking in space.
From PFF's Jordan Plover
Boehm's positive game grade largely came from his screen block grade and his run block grade. He did surrender two pressures and graded slightly negative as a pass blocker with a -0.2 pass blocking grade.
Well, after at least the first preseason game, it looks like Steve Keim and company were right to trust in Boehm as the heir apparent at the center position.
While he continues to figure out the offense and making the line adjustments and calls, it is good to see Boehm back at full stride, making plays not just in the box, but all over the field.