It took a while, but the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft finally broke a string of five consecutive defensive players for the Arizona Cardinals as they selected Texas guard Hayden Conner.
He was a teammate of tackle Christian Jones, who the Cardinals drafted in the fifth round last year.
The Athletic talent evaluator Dane Brugler wrote, “A three-year starter at Texas, Conner was a mainstay at left guard in head coach Steve Sarkisian’s RPO pro-style spread offense. He moved to guard when he arrived in Austin and played more than 3,000 combined snaps the past four seasons, finishing his career with 43 straight starts.
“With his experience and savvy, Conner put consistent play on tape in pass protection (zero sacks allowed in 2024), using his strength through engagement to ride rushers to a standstill. He runs his feet to secure blocks in the run game, although inconsistent body control and pad level lead to negative reps. He is durable, strong and technically steady. He can provide depth on the interior of an NFL offensive line.”
Hayden said, “I had a really good formal visit with the Cardinals at the Combine. I’m just ready to be a good culture fit and work my butt off. I’ll do whatever the team needs.”
While he played guard in college, Conner insisted, “I’m a five-position guy. I can do tackle. I can do center as well. I think I’m going to end up being somewhere in those three interior spots, but I can do it all.”
Asked to describe his style of play, he said, “Very controlled. I take a lot of passion into my greatest strength, which is my football IQ. I prepare like no one else, and I’m extremely versatile.”
As for what he expects during his rookie season, Conner said, “I’m just going to put myself in the best position possible no matter what. I’ll take whatever opportunity arises. I know that I’m good enough to fight for a starting job, but if they need me to be a sixth, seventh guy, I can do that and I’m humble enough to fit in wherever.”
Then there’s the matter of his age because Saturday was his 23rd birthday.
Is this the best birthday of your life? Conner answered, “I think it might be. I think this is going to be kind of hard to beat.”
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: OL Hayden Conner ends streak of defensive players drafted by Cardinals