Instant Reaction: What experts are saying about Arizona Cardinals drafting Paris Johnson Jr.
COLUMBUS — In 2022, Paris Johnson Jr. became the first Ohio State offensive tackle to earn consensus first-team All-American honors since Orlando Pace. And now Johnson is the Buckeyes’ highest-drafted offensive tackle since Pace went No. 1 overall in 1997.
Johnson was picked No. 6 overall by the Arizona Cardinals Thursday night.
Once a highly-touted five-star recruit out of Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Johnson developed into a top-10 pick in just three years at Ohio State. He started full seasons at right guard and left tackle, and now he’s the first tackle off the board in this year’s NFL Draft.
Here’s what the experts had to say about Johnson, Ohio State’s top lineman this past season.
What Mel Kiper Jr. said about Paris Johnson Jr. going to Arizona…
Kiper on Johnson going to Arizona: “He is smart, he is tough and he works hard. Now, I tell you what, he is not a finished product. When you watch him on tape, I watch him as a run blocker, he drops his head, has some balance issues. In pass blocking, hand placement could be a little better. He could use his punch a little bit better. … But awesome talent and potential. He’s 6-foot-6 1/2, 313. He’s got incredibly long arms, he’s got really good feet and he’s going to try to become and work hard to become a great player. But those technical issues and that lack of experience needs the refinement. Coaching is going to be critical to get this kid to be a Pro Bowler in the NFL.”
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What Booger McFarland said about Paris Johnson Jr. going to Arizona…
McFarland on Johnson going to Arizona: “Yeah, and he’s only played 13 games at left tackle. You talk to the all-pro from Cincinnati, Willie Anderson, who trained Paris Johnson all throughout high school and worked with him throughout college. He said the best football is ahead for him. He’s gotta understand how to set, how to punch for his body, how to use his athleticism. They wanted the best pass blocking left tackle. They got him.”
What Louis Riddick said about Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. going to Arizona…
Riddick on Johnson going to Arizona: “You need professionals down in Arizona to change the culture. Mature guys, guys who have great personal character and football character. The coaches at Ohio State say Paris Johnson is a ready-made pro. He is going to be the first guy in, the last guy out. He’s going to work on all those deficiencies. I see the same thing. Lower body strength, being able to sink, anchor against power — he got run over against Georgia. Georgia overwhelmed him sometimes with their power. But you’re right, Mel, he’s got long arms. Has great inside-outside recovery quickness, and he’s going to work at his craft. That’s the thing. He’s a self starter. Arizona needs those guys.”
