It was an interesting moment for the Arizona Cardinals, but they knew who they wanted, Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
Reports of Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray letting management know he wanted the All-American tackle from Ohio State hit the rumor mill, and many pegged him to land in Arizona.
When the Cardinals traded down from the third pick, it seemed they were not going to land Johnson Jr. But they moved back up to the sixth pick: They couldn’t resist getting the player their franchise quarterback wanted.
It was a very good selection for the Cardinals and here are the reactions to Arizona selecting Paris Johnson Jr.
B/R Gridiron
Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. is headed to the Cardinals at No. 6
The first OT off the board 😤 pic.twitter.com/2FYuUHYemI
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 28, 2023
Reaction
No surprise here, top tackle in the draft.
ESPN’s Matt Miller
Paris Johnson, Jr. is such an impressive young man. Cardinals got a great person and player.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 28, 2023
Reaction
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
ESPN Stats & Info
Paris Johnson Jr. started all 26 games for Ohio State over last 2 seasons.
He played right guard in 2021 before moving to left tackle in 2022.
Johnson Jr. is the highest drafted Ohio State OL since Orlando Pace went 1st overall in 1997. pic.twitter.com/FSKrJqlf2M
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 28, 2023
Reaction
The ultimate team player.
PHNX’s Johnny Venerable
The Cardinals stole a first-rounder from Houston and still got Paris Johnson Jr.
Winner.
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) April 28, 2023
Reaction
Big time win for the Cardinals and Johnson Jr.
SB Nation
No. 6: Arizona (via DET) selects Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr.
Grade: A-
"His movement skills at his size are very good, and combines the best blend of technicality and athleticism. Johnson can play right or left tackle … and set the offensive line for years to come." pic.twitter.com/sKe4HnVDqg
— SB Nation (@SBNation) April 28, 2023
Reaction
That A- is missing a vertical dash…
CBS Sports
In 1999, Paris Johnson Sr. was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 5th round, but never appeared in an NFL game
24 years later the Cardinals drafted his son, Paris Johnson Jr. in the first round pic.twitter.com/Ulk5PatY6D
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 28, 2023
Reaction
It’s a family affair for the Johnson’s.
ESPN
Paris Johnson Jr. is a "ready-made pro" for the Arizona Cardinals with the sixth overall pick 🔥 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/7XjlLx5kRU
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 28, 2023
Reaction
Pro-ready is correct. Expect Johnson Jr. to be a starter Day 1.
Ohio State twitter
Blindside protection guaranteed 🗣️ https://t.co/jx9Rqdk0CR
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 28, 2023
Breakdown
Blindside protector ✔️
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