Cardinals acquire No. 6 pick, select Ohio State OT Paris Johnson

After trading out of the No. 3 pick, the Cardinals are moving back up. Arizona has acquired the No. 6 pick (along with No. 81) from the Lions, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweets that Detroit will receive picks No. 12, No. 34, and No. 168.

The Cardinals will use their newfound selection on Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.

We heard that Arizona was considering trading down in pursuit of an offensive lineman. It took multiple trades to get there, but the Cardinals ultimately got their way, selecting one of the draft’s top lineman prospects.

After playing sparingly through his first two collegiate seasons, Johnson took on a larger role in 2022, appearing in 13 games for Ohio State. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound blocker was charged with only a pair of sacks this past season, and Pro Football Focus gave him one of the highest grades (88 overall) at his position. As a result of his performance, Johnson earned a consensus All-American nod after the season.

The Cardinals surrendered 46 sacks last season, leaving open the possibility of improving their pass protection during the draft. By virtue of this pair of moves, new general manager Monti Ossenfort has landed arguably the team’s top target, while adding draft capital next season. Johnson will join a new-look room along the offensive front in the desert.

Arizona has re-signed right tackle Kelvin Beachum and added veteran Elijah Wilkinson so far this offseason. Johnson could compete for the starting role on the blindside right away, despite playing at that spot for only one season with the Buckeyes. His previous experience includes time at right guard, versatility that could help the Cardinals improve along the O-line in one fashion or another — a needed development considering the long-term rebuilding path the team is likely on.

The Lions, meanwhile, used the No. 12 pick on Alabama RB Jaymyr Gibbs.