Paul

Fanaika

Mike Gibson will backup at both guard positions. Adrian Moten provides depth at outside linebacker. Johnson and Cox are listed as third-stringers.

Fanaika knows OL coach Tom Cable’s zone-blocking scheme because he was on the practice squad before being released last week. He’ll add depth with RG John Moffit out for the season.

A 2009 seventh-round pick, Fanaika has appeared in just three games in four seasons, and none since 2011. He’ll fight for a reserve role in Arizona.

It’s somewhat odd timing, as the 2009 seventh-round pick is coming off his first career start, but coach Bruce Arians must have loved what he saw. Fanaika’s power blocking fits Arians’ scheme. Fanaika graded out negatively in Pro Football Focus’ ratings Sunday.

Fanaika, 27, was a 2009 seventh-round pick of the Eagles. He’s appeared in three career games, never making a start. From left to right, Arizona’s Week 1 line will read LT Levi Brown, LG Daryn Colledge, C Lyle Sendlein, RG Fanaika, and RT Eric Winston. They’re going to have a helluva time in the NFC West.

Assuming the deal happens, this will be the sixth team Fanaika has played for since entering the league in 2009. That includes stints on two different practice squads. Despite his overwhelming size (6'5", 327 pounds), Fanaika finished last season as a bottom-10 guard in Pro Football Focus’ position rankings.

Sowell’s competition will be Bobby Massie, while Fanaika will battle Earl Watford this summer. Sowell pitched in at left tackle last season but was PFF’s worst-rated tackle. Jared Veldheer was signed as a free agent to man the left side. Fanaika started all 16 games but was blown up both as a run and pass blocker.

Fanaika started all 16 games last year, but struggled badly in the run game and finished as one of the worst guards in the league. He should face serious competition from 2013 fourth-rounder Earl Watford in camp. Regardless, Arizona’s offensive line projects to be more effective overall this season thanks to the addition of LT Jared Veldheer and return of LG Jonathan Cooper.

Fanaika was indescribably bad last season, and the Cards are hoping 2013 fourth-rounder Watford “takes control of the position.” Watford didn’t play as a rookie while working to bulk up. He was the 116th overall pick in the draft.

With Jeff Allen (knee) and Eric Fisher (ankle) out, the Chiefs are trying everything to shore up their offensive line. Perhaps eclipsed by Laurent Duvernay-Tardif at right guard, Fanaika could find his way into the starting lineup at right tackle if Allen is forced to miss regular season snaps. Fanaika was signed to a three-year, $8.1 million contract this offseason.