Familiarity is critical during the draft process. Gannon said he leans on players and staff members like Frye who have a behind-the-scenes look at the prospect. “The first thing I ask is ‘does he fit here?'” Gannon said.
The answer to that question?
“I know the guy he is, and while I know he came in undrafted, I believe the Cardinals have a star,” Johnson said. “Since I was in college, I always said ‘whatever team Josh Fryar is going to be on, he’s going to be a long-term guy because of the way he works, his mentality, the way he shows up, and the way he loves to take coaching and advice.'”
During offseason workouts, there isn’t too much a lineman can show since they aren’t wearing pads. That’ll change when the Cardinals report to training camp. Still, Fryar has impressed Gannon.
“He doesn’t bust any protections, which is the first thing I’m looking for,” Gannon said. “He understands where the IDs are going in the run game, what footwork he needs to take (and) his technique, and how he plays. I look at that too. He’s doing a good job.”
Offensive line depth is valuable for any team in the NFL. Especially on the interior offensive line, Fryar could find a way towards making the roster with a strong performance at training camp.
Fryar has a lot of support from his Buckeye brethren. While the advocacy is appreciated, Fryar is eager to allow his play to speak for itself.
“I look at it as taking it a day at a time and taking every opportunity I can get to earn a role on this team,” he said. “Drafted or undrafted, I think the best players are going to play. Control the controllables and everything will fall in its place.”