Arizona Cardinals trade up to sixth pick in 2023 NFL Draft and select Paris Johnson Jr.

The Arizona Cardinals have traded up from the 12th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading down from the third pick and they have taken Paris Johnson Jr. with the sixth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

In exchange they have given up picks 1.12 and 2.34 and 5.168, for 1.6 and 3.81.

They have coveted Paris Johnson throughout the process, were able to gain a first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and then retain a second round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to make sure they got their top player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

From SB Nation:

Paris Johnson Jr. entered Ohio State as the top offensive tackle prospect in his recruiting class. Johnson, however, started his career as a Buckeye on the inside. He played right guard, rotating in as a starter for the second half of the 2020 season, and started 13 games at the position in 2021, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors.

Johnson finally moved to left tackle for the 2022 season and the accolades came in quickly. He was a first-team All-Big Ten performer and a Consensus All-American. The Cincinnati native has shown versatility and a team-first attitude during his time at Ohio State. He is going to project as a left tackle in the NFL, but his time on the inside gives Johnson more scheme options than other tackles.

Paris Johnson Jr.: Scouting Report

Johnson hits all the marks with his measurables. He’s 6-foot-6, 315 pounds with arms over 36 inches long. He is still developing as a left tackle but has great athleticism and a willingness to take on any assignment as a blocker. PFF raves about Johnson’s ability to dominate in a “gap scheme” where he can take down an initial blocker and quickly jump to the second level. The website graded him at an 83.3 last season and rates him as the second-best offensive tackle prospect in the Draft. Johnson allowed just 10 pressures last season with the Buckeyes.

Welcome to the desert, Paris!