Cole Toner Has Been the Best Guard in the NFL

There were questions on why the Arizona Cardinals brought Cole Toner into the fold, he was another offensive tackle that would need to convert to guard, on a team that has developed some nice back ups at guard.

After three preseason games and an entire training camp, the questions are stopping, because Cole Toner has shown that he belongs in the NFL.

Through the third preseason game, Toner was ranked as the top guard in the NFL per the analytics site Pro Football Focus.

Top graded players this preseason (by position)
OT: Garry Williams, CHI
G: Cole Toner, AZ
C: Travis Frederick, DAL
FB: Jalston Fowler, TEN

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) August 30, 2016

Toner is showing why the Arizona Cardinals coveted him in the fifth round, because he is a strong technician on the inside. He understands not only how to win the passing game, but he has shown a surprising push in the running game.

What Toner has done is make Earl Watford expendable in 2017, not because he is better, but because he can offer similar ability as a back up.

Cole Toner’s play in the 2016 preseason may not have won him a starting spot, but it will keep him on a very good 53 man roster.