Paris Johnson Jr. Named Best Cardinals Draft Pick

Originally posted on FanNation All Cardinals
By Donnie Druin | Last updated 4/30/23

The 2023 NFL Draft is complete, and the Arizona Cardinals loved what they accomplished.

The Cardinals were able to draft nine players while adding future picks in the first and third round for 2024. More compensation could be coming if Arizona deals DeAndre Hopkins at some point.

Yet who was the team's best pick - in terms of value?

ESPN's Todd McShay went through each team's draft and chose their best draft pick. For Arizona, it was their first-round pick in Ohio State OL Paris Johnson.

Not only talent makes Johnson the easy choice here, but also how the Cardinals navigated themselves here does too:

Paris Johnson Jr. Named Best Cardinals Draft Pick

"Two trades preceded this pick, and we need to consider that context. First, Arizona moved from No. 3 to No. 12 and added three picks, all on Day 2 or better and including a 2024 first-rounder. Then it jumped back up to No. 6, swapping firsts, picking up a third and losing a second and fifth. I had heard the Cardinals liked Johnson, but taking him at No. 3 was too rich, especially given what they could get to trade out. So they took advantage and slid back, but then they were able to get back ahead of the offensive tackle run to still get their guy.

"The offensive line needed some youth, with Kelvin Beachum turning 34 years old and D.J. Humphries playing only eight games last season. In Johnson, Arizona gets an easy-moving pass protector with really good striking power at the point of contact. And as a run-blocker, his quickness shows up in zone-blocking schemes. I really love his awareness and think he's going to be a high-level starter for a long time. Toss in versatility -- Johnson started 13 games at tackle and 13 games at guard -- and you have a potential franchise cornerstone. With Kyler Murray coming off a torn ACL, that's huge."

For a run down of Arizona's 2023 draft class, click here.