Expectations were high for Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. when he was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
These expectations have increased since he stepped into the starting left tackle role previously held by his mentor, D.J. Humphries.
Though he’s only played four games, Johnson is exceeding those expectations. He has quickly established himself as one of the top tackles in the league, ranking ninth among NFL tackles according to Pro Football Focus. His growing leadership and sense of responsibility have also energized the franchise and his teammates about the future.
“He’s a younger guy, but he’s maturing,” quarterback Kyler Murray remarked on Wednesday. “He’s evolving into a leader every day. He can be humorous off the field, but when it’s game time, he’s fully focused.
“He’s so dedicated that you can hardly engage with him; he’s deeply invested and very emotional about it. I’m eager to see him develop further as a leader, and he’s definitely someone we can rely on.”
Johnson, along with right tackle Kelvin Beachum (if he plays) and the rest of Arizona’s offensive line, will need to be fully focused against a formidable 49ers defense that includes standout linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa.
Warner, considered a potential Defensive Player of the Year, recently made a spectacular pick-6 against the New England Patriots. Bosa has recorded 19 pressures and three sacks in four games, ranking 11th among NFL defenders per NFL Next Gen Stats; for context, the Cardinals have a total of 22 pressures as a team. Bosa’s versatility in lining up on both sides means that both Johnson and Beachum will have their hands full.
Johnson, however, is ready for the challenge. “This is one of those games I’ve been looking forward to,” he said. “He’s a formidable opponent, but I’ve been preparing the same way. I can’t wait to get out there.”
In other news, Johnson and former Ohio State teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. are back to their celebratory antics after scoring, which has happened four times this season.
For their most recent touchdown, though, Johnson had to shoulder most of the lifting. “After he scored, I tried to lift him up, but he didn’t jump. I had to press him in the air,” Johnson explained about his fellow Buckeye. “He usually helps out, but that one required pure power from me.
“It was fine; we still got a picture, but it took more effort than I’m used to. If he’s not going to jump, I’ll just pat him on the head, say ‘let’s go,’ and keep it moving because that took a lot of energy.”
