Arizona Cardinals Alternate Logo

Hjalte Froholdt

Hjalte Froholdt Player Profile

Summary

Hjalte Froholdt was selected in the 4th round (118th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. NESN.com He played college football at Arkansas, where he converted from defensive tackle to the offensive line and started multiple seasons at both guard and center. HawgBeat In his senior year, he earned Second-Team All-SEC honors. NESN.com Froholdt has since built a solid NFL career, including starting time with multiple teams; per Pro-Football-Reference, he has played in over 70 games and started 45+. Pro Football Reference In 2024, he earned a two-year contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, reflecting his value. Reuters Known for his versatility, smarts, and steady presence, Froholdt brings professionalism and interior flexibility to his offensive line roles.

Strengths

  • Versatility: Has experience playing both guard and center, giving his team flexibility in how they use him. New England Patriots

  • Pass-Blocking Efficiency: In college, he allowed very few pressures — he surrendered just five total pressures and zero sacks in a season. NESN.com

  • Low Pad, Strong Base: Scouts note his “natural lower center of gravity” and core strength, helping him anchor against bull rushers. New England Patriots

  • Pulling Ability: Demonstrated ability to pull and work in space, showing good athleticism for an interior lineman. New England Patriots

  • Run-Blocking Power: Competes well in run schemes; his college grades included strong run-blocking marks. HawgBeat

  • Character & Work Ethic: From Denmark, he made a remarkable journey to the NFL; described as a high-effort, resilient player. Arkansas Razorbacks

  • Durability/Availability: Has stepped into starting roles and performed reliably; earned a multi-year extension in Arizona. Reuters

Weaknesses

  • Hand Technique Needs Refinement: According to his draft profile, he can improve his hand placement and engagement vs powerful defenders. New England Patriots

  • Gets Overpowered Occasionally: Despite his strength, there are times when he struggles versus physical interior rushers. New England Patriots

  • Shorter Reach: His arm length is not elite (reported at 32¼"), which may limit his ability to control very long defensive tackles. NESN.com

  • Ceiling Limitations: Moderate athleticism and physical traits might cap his upside compared to more dominant big-bodied guards. NBC Sports

  • Experience Transition: While he has started, some evaluators wondered earlier in his career whether he was a starter or a versatile backup. Pats Pulpit

Fit & Outlook

  • Fit:
    Froholdt is a natural fit for teams that value interior flexibility in their offensive line. His ability to play both guard and center makes him valuable in schemes that rotate linemen or need to adjust for injuries. He’s especially useful in balanced run-pass offenses where his pass-blocking and run-blocking skills can both be utilized. His lower center of gravity and core strength make him effective in gap-based run schemes, while his pull-and-move ability gives him value in zone concepts as well.

  • Outlook:
    Looking ahead, Froholdt projects as a solid, long-term starter or high-quality swing interior lineman. His contract extension with the Cardinals indicates that they trust him to anchor inside for multiple seasons. While he may not become a dominant Pro Bowl guard, his versatility, consistency, and team-first character give him a very high floor. With continued refinement of his technique, particularly in hand usage and power blocking, he could develop into a dependable cornerstone of an offensive line — especially in a front that values multi-positional interior players.