The Arizona Cardinals made former Ohio State offensive lineman Paris Johnson their first-round selection of the 2023 NFL draft, picking him No. 6 overall.
While he has not yet played a down or even suited up for practice, we must grade the pick.
Grades are more based on fit, need, talent and value where the player is selected.
What do the Cardinals deserve for the selection of Johnson?
Grade: A
There is really nothing not to like about the pick.
Johnson was widely considered the best lineman in the draft, worthy of the top pick. As a tackle, he fits the value of the pick positionally.
He has the athletic traits. He fills a need. He is versatile. He is intelligent. He is a great fit off the field.
There are no character concerns.
And if you factor in the fact that the Cardinals were, in the process of getting to the sixth pick, were able to add a 2024 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick in addition to selecting Johnson, how can they get anything other than an A?
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