Cardinals Rookie OL Paris Johnson Ready to Test the Best
Arizona Cardinals first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr. is ready for the challenges that rest ahead.
There will be no grace period for a player in Johnson's likes - who entered the draft considered to be the best among his position group after playing at a prestigious program like Ohio State.
Johnson handled the best of the best at the collegiate level, yet the world of professional football brings an entirely different beast.
Speaking on The Red Sea Report to Paul Calvisi, Johnson says he can't wait for the talented defensive players he'll come across.
“I’m willing to say right now, I can’t wait for Nick Bosa,” said Johnson (h/t Kyle Odegard). “I can’t wait for Micah Parsons. I’ve already been studying both of those guys’ tapes.
“You can’t have a goal to play in the NFL and then be afraid to go against these guys,” Johnson said. “Like, what? That’s what you want. You say you want to play in the NFL? That’s the NFL for you, and that’s what I’m excited for, because I’ve done well in those scenarios. I’ve gone against dudes where it’s like, ‘That guy? He’s like that now, but he hasn’t played me yet.’ I feel like I thrive in those environments and I can’t wait for games like that.”
As to where Johnson will feature for Arizona in 2023 remains to be seen - he started at left tackle last year before previously starting at right guard.
Both tackle spots are currently occupied thanks to the presence of D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum, though the starting left guard spot is thought to be open.
Wherever he ends up, Johnson simply wants to be the best of the best.
“The guys I want to dominate are the guys I appreciate in the game so much,” Johnson said. “I want to attack the guys that I appreciate so much in this game, because I think they’re legends. I want to go against them. If I’m going to rise up, I’m not going to rise up against no-names.”
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