The Arizona Cardinals have officially signed their first-round pick. The team announced that they’ve inked OL Paris Johnson Jr. to his rookie contract.
Arizona was reportedly in pursuit of an offensive lineman in the draft and after trading out of the third-overall pick, they still got their way when they selected Johnson at No. 6 overall.
Johnson took on a larger role at Ohio State in 2022, when he appeared in 13 games. The 6-6, 315-pound blocker allowed only a pair of sacks last season and as a result of his performance, earned a consensus All-American selection while being graded as one of Pro Football Focus’ top offensive tackle prospects in the draft class.
The Cardinals were in dire need for depth along the offensive line after having allowed 44 sacks last year. This offseason, they’ve re-signed right tackle Kelvin Beachum and added veteran Elijah Wilkinson. They will also welcome back veteran D.J. Humphries, who missed much of last season. As a result of the added depth, Johnson may not immediately start at left tackle, but his versatility should mitigate that as a significant issue
The Cardinals also announced that they’ve signed four other draft picks in third-round wide receiver Michael Wilson, fourth-round offensive lineman Jon Gaines II, fifth-round quarterback Clayton Tune and fifth-round linebacker Owen Pappoe. That leaves four Arizona rookies unsigned, including second-round linebacker B.J. Ojulari.
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