ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals feel like they snagged their cornerstone tackle of the future in Paris Johnson Jr., and midway through the 2023 season, it's hard to see Johnson not living up to that status.
Bleacher Report's Ryan Fowler went through each 2023 first-round pick and graded their performance thus far, and Johnson walked home with a solid final report card:
Cardinals OT Paris Johnson Jr. Grades Well in Rookie Report Cards
"Life at offensive tackle isn't easy in the NFL, especially when you're changing sides from where you played in college," said Fowler.
"Paris Johnson Jr. logged 827 snaps at left tackle compared to just seven at right tackle during his time at Ohio State, according to Pro Football Focus. But he's done a fine job on the right side for the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals.
"Aside from a Week 7 barrage of pressures allowed against the Los Angeles Rams, Johnson has remained consistent and has seemingly fine-tuned the technical deficiencies that NFL personnel questioned during his predraft process.
"Johnson has been penalized the second-most times of any lineman in the league. However, that's all fixable, and he otherwise looks to be a mainstay at tackle for the foreseeable future in the desert.
"Grade: B"
Johnson has surely hit a rookie wall after a truly impressive start to the season, though he's faced a barrage of some of the most elite pass rushers in the league. Still, he finished with better grades than No. 1 pick Bryce Young (C) and No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson (B-).
Johnson has battled through those struggles and admittedly still has a long ways to go, which is only exciting for the caliber of player he can be in the desert.
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