Arizona Cardinals expected to start Bradley Sowell for Levi Brown

Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Bradley Sowell (79) walks off the field at the conclusion of their game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals have traded starting LT Levi Brown to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Colts-Cardinals Bruce Arians traveler Bradley Sowell is expected to start at left tackle in Brown’s stead. Cardinals veteran official site beat writer Darren Urban believes that Sowell will be the new starter over Nate Potter, which gives the Cardinals a former UDFA starting at left tackle after dealing away a former fifth overall pick. Fans are familiar with seeing the Cardinals starting a UDFA at offensive tackle, and we can only hope that Sowell is able to keep veteran QB Carson Palmer’s blindside clean.

Sowell was an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss in last year’s draft class, and the 24-year-old has a massive frame at 6’7″, 316 pounds. He has to be familiar with Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians as well, as he played for the Indianapolis Colts last season. Sowell is one of a number of Cardinals players to have played under Arians in Indianapolis, and he made the trek from Indy to Arizona after being claimed off of waivers by the Cards last month (he was cut by the Colts during the 53-man roster crunchdown).

We shouldn’t expect to see much positive out of Bradley Sowell if he does indeed start at left tackle, but there is always a chance that he could surprise and impress. I would expect him to be a downgrade from Levi Brown, but he’s also making a lot less money, which makes up for Brown’s advantage in the “raw talent” department.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe. Be sure to like us on Facebook here and follow our site on Twitter as well.