Paris Johnson Falls to Bottom of Rookie Rankings
ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals started their rebuild in the right way with a masterful 2023 NFL Draft haul that included offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who should anchor the team for years down the line.
Johnson never projected as a generational talent, though he's more than capable enough of emerging as a consistent Pro Bowl player among other accolades.
Yet Johnson must first power through a rookie season that's already seen him face elite pass rushers such as Micah Parsons, Aaron Donald and Nick Bosa among others.
Johnson has admittedly struggled in recent games after a strong start to the year, though his overall body of work has been promising.
Not everybody would agree.
CBS Sports recently ranked each 2023 first-round pick on their performance thus far, and Johnson fell to No. 24 out of 31 eligible players.
"Johnson's 6.8% beaten rate is the 20th-highest in the league, according to TruMedia. There has been no stability in the Arizona offense. They have cycled through quarterbacks and running backs. It will be interesting to see how his numbers are impacted with the return of James Conner and Kyler Murray." - Josh Edwards
Johnson fell behind fellow offensive linemen Peter Skoronski, Darnell Wright, Broderick Jones and Anton Harrison.
Johnson certainly didn't have a bad outing in Week 10's win over the Atlanta Falcons according to Pro Football Focus.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon says he'll only continue to get better.
“Yeah, he’s playing well. Started every game and playing a premier position. I think he continues to get better week to week, and that’s not just on game day too. That’s looking at the whole scope of practice (with) fundamentals, his process and how he’s going about it, and how he’s studying," Gannon told reporters.
"I just had a conversation with him on Monday. He kind of found his sweet spot of how he likes to watch tape now, I think and the sky’s the limit.”
Quarterback Kyler Murray doesn't seem to mind his young right tackle's presence, either.
"As far as drafting Paris, anytime a quarterback gets a guy that is as talented as him you’re going to be happy because if you can stand up in the pocket, stand up straight and keep you upright I feel like it’d be pretty good.”
Penalties are still an issue for Johnson, who has been flagged nine times thus far -tied for second at his position according to PFF.
However, the Cardinals are more than content with where Johnson is currently at and how he projects down the road.
