Cards extend C Hjalte Froholdt

Froholdt injured his left elbow in the first half and was taken to the locker room for examination. He required a moment to collect himself after the play, seemingly in a lot of pain. The team concerningly labeled him as questionable to return. The last healthy starter from Arizona’s preseason offensive line starters, Froholdt successfully returned partway through the second half.

Players typically played through illness-related questionable tags, but Froholdt was obviously added to the injury report very late. The Cardinals are already without left tackle Paris Johnson while left guard Evan Brown is listed as questionable with a neck injury. Arizona could be down three starting linemen for their matchup with Carolina if Brown and Froholdt both sit.

Froholdt entered the 2023 season with little experience at center but quickly established himself as the anchor of Arizona’s offensive line, which performed admirably down the stretch of the season. Froholdt played all 17 games last season, and 1,123 offensive snaps. A former Patriots draft pick who spent time with the Browns, Froholdt seems to have found a place in Arizona.

Froholdt is being signed for his versatility. He started games at right guard and center last season while manning left tackle for a few snaps. The 26-year-old will probably end up seeing plenty of playing time for the rebuilding Cardinals and their shaky offensive line.

The Patriots selected Froholdt with the No. 118 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. His absence isn’t ideal for the Patriots’ depth on the offensive line, but he wasn’t expected to be more than a backup option if healthy in 2019.

Froholdt (6’5/306) made 37 starts on the Razorbacks’ offensive line after converting from defensive tackle, dabbling at center but mainly manning right guard and earning second-team All-SEC in 2018. PFF College credited Froholdt with the SEC’s top pass-blocking efficiency rating last season, allowing just five QB pressures and zero sacks. A Denmark native, Froholdt’s short arms (31 ¼") and moderate athleticism limit his ceiling, but his interior flexibility raises Froholdt’s floor, and he offers starter potential at center or guard. The Patriots have done a great job at developing offensive linemen in the past, maybe Froholdt can be the next feather in their cap.

Froholdt (6’5/306) made 37 starts on the Razorbacks’ offensive line after converting from defensive tackle, dabbling at center but mainly manning right guard and earning second-team All-SEC in 2018. PFF College credited Froholdt with the SEC’s top pass-blocking efficiency rating last season, allowing just five QB pressures and zero sacks. A Denmark native, Froholdt’s short arms (31 ¼") and moderate athleticism limit his ceiling, but his interior flexibility raises Froholdt’s floor, and he offers starter potential at center or guard. The Patriots have done a great job at developing offensive linemen in the past, maybe Froholdt can be the next feather in their cap.

PFF ranks Froholdt as the fourth best interior offensive lineman in the class, and 55th overall. “Pass protection on the interior is never going to catch your eye like a pancake block does, but the former is far more valuable than the latter as an evaluator,” writes Renner. “That’s likely one of the only reasons Froholdt isn’t in the conversation as the draft’s top guard.” Renner also notes that he held up against Quinnen Williams better than any offensive lineman in the SEC, and he allowed just five pressured between guard and center. That -- and the versatility to play both -- could make Froholdt a very valuable NFL player.

Froholdt (6'5/306) played guard in college but Zierlein believes a move to center might “give him his best shot as a pro.” Froholdt didn’t test overly well at the NFL Scouting Combine, producing just a 44th percentile athletic SPARQ composite score. He did put up 31 reps on the bench press, something potentially more valuable for a future center. Froholdt’s main strength is his “power to absorb and neutralize at the point of attack.” He’ll likely be a mid-late round selection with upside.

Froholdt (6'5/306) got his evaluating process started via an appearance at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in January and is now trying to make his mark in Indianapolis. His 31 reps on the bench press were good for fifth-most among offensive linemen at the combine. Froholdt could potentially play either guard or center at the pro level.