Just over a year ago, former Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams was selected 71st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Since then, he has continued to impress his peers before the regular season kicks off.
Recently, one of Adams' teammates in Arizona, right tackle Jonah Williams, praised the former Illinois star, sharing that he's one of the biggest improvements on the entire roster.
“I think the biggest difference between last year to this year is the step that Isaiah (Adams) has taken,” Williams said.
Adams played in all 15 games for the Cardinals last season, but he only made five starting appearances. Now, even more is expected of the young offensive lineman.
Isaiah Adams continues to put together quality reps during one-on-one drills. Here he is against Calais Campbell. #AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/c6KlWQqma0
— Zach Gershman (@ZachAZCards) August 20, 2025
During his rookie season, he stepped in to help the Cardinals' offensive line block for the run game to earn 2,451 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on just 463 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt. Arizona also allowed just 30 sacks all year, which was the fifth-fewest in the league.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Adams was responsible for just two of the sacks over the 462 snaps that he played.
As a second-year player, Adams is expected to be the starting right guard for Arizona, lining up right next to Jonah Williams and center Hjalte Froholdt. Evan Brown is expected to be the starting left guard, and Paris Johnson Jr. will likely be the starting left tackle.
Adams came to Illinois from an extremely interesting background, after playing two seasons at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario and one year at Garden City Community College in Kansas. In 2023, he was the No. 5 Canadian prospect by the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Also read: Former Illinois quarterback hits the market after New York Giants pull the plug
This year, Adams and the Cardinals are set to kick off their 2025 season with a matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The game is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 7, at noon CT and will be broadcast on CBS.