To borrow from the 1970’s English rock band Supertramp, the Arizona Cardinals took the long way home, going from No. 3 overall to No. 12, and then back up to No. 6 to select Paris Johnson Jr.
The 6’-6” offensive tackle from Ohio State is a behemoth of a man who has Cardinal’s football in his blood. His father, Paris Johnson Sr., played safety for the team in 1999, but lasted only one season.
“I want to be here.” “I want to be an Arizona Cardinal. I want to finish what my Dad started.”
At the conclusion of a pre-draft visit, Johnson had an opportunity to meet with Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort. As the two talked, the Buckeye lineman expressed his heartfelt desire to be in Arizona. Almost as if he was fulfilling the quest his father began but was not able to fulfill.
"We're going to make you an Arizona Cardinal Paris"
📞 @ParisJohnsonJr pic.twitter.com/D77PczlgCi
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 28, 2023
“That really hit me,” Ossenfort would say on Thursday night. The Cardinals had made the Ohio State offensive lineman their first-round pick in the NFL draft.
Paris Johnson Jr A Perfect Choice For Arizona Cardinals
Both Ossenfort and new Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon made it known that quarterback Kyler Murray would have input in the 2023 NFL Draft. Murray had made it clear that he wants Arizona to draft an offensive lineman. It should not be a coincidence that when Murray lobbied for Johnson, the organization listened.
did we just become best friends?
yep. pic.twitter.com/nYPPdOGbIb
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 28, 2023
Paris Johnson Jr. is going to prove to be a good one for the Cardinals. The 2022 Consensus All-American, and First-team All-Big Ten was moved from guard to left tackle last season. Johnson majored in journalism at Ohio State, graduating in less than three years while starting 26 straight games. Johnson has his own foundation that provides assistance to veterans and speaks Mandarin Chinese as well as some Portuguese.
As you read the draft profile for Paris Johnson Jr., you will note the author saying he has a high ceiling and will be a full-time starter right out of the gate. He has good footwork and technique for his size and he shows the athleticism that will translate to the next level. Additionally, Johnson has experience on both the left and right side of the football. While some NFL analysts believe he is a raw product who needs development, Ossenfort noted his football character and intellect.
NFL.com reported that the Falcons likely were going to take Johnson at No. 8. The Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Chicago Bears were also looking to draft an offensive lineman. Knowing that means the newest member of the Arizona Cardinals could have been in the AFC West, NFC South, or NFC North. The deal Ossenfort made with Detroit changed all that. The trade sent the Cardinals’ original second-round pick (34) and their fifth rounder (168) to the Lions for No. 6 and their third-round pick (81).
For the Cardinals and Murray, the 2023 NFL Draft needed to be a home run. By the look of things, the day after has proven a success by NFL analysts and those who track their up and down play. Either way you look at it, Arizona has found a good pick in Johnson.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
