The Arizona Cardinals begin organized team activities (OTAs) this week, and one of the biggest questions heading into the season is who will be starting at left tackle following DJ Humphries’s departure. Head coach Jonathan Gannon answered that question in his pre-OTA press conference when he announced that Paris Johnson Jr, sixth overall pick from a season ago, would be sliding over to left tackle and former Cincinnati Bengal Jonah Williams would be the new right tackle. Gannon’s full press conference is linked below.
Paris Johnson Jr’s Versatility Is a Strength for the Arizona Cardinals
One of the reasons the Arizona Cardinals were so enamored with Paris Johnson Jr, was due to his versatility. While primarily a left tackle at Ohio State, Johnson Jr also lined up at left and right guard during his career. Johnson Jr excelled as a pass blocker in Columbus and showed that to be his strength during his rookie season with the Cardinals.
After a season at right tackle, Paris Johnson Jr will transition back to his normal spot at left tackle. The Arizona Cardinals should not expect this move to take a long time to flourish, as Johnson Jr showed last year that he is a fast learner.
Jonathan Gannon will evaluate the move throughout OTAs but noted he has “veto power” to reverse the move and send Paris Johnson Jr back to right tackle.
Jonah Williams Will Bring Veteran Leadership to the Arizona Cardinals
With the departure of DJ Humphries the Arizona Cardinals can use some veteran experience in the trenches. Jonah Williams enters his sixth season in the NFL with the Cardinals and will bring the most playoff experience into the offensive line unit. After a year with one of the youngest rosters in the league, Arizona focused their off-season on bringing in players under thirty, with playoff experience.
Other Arizona Cardinals Lineman Spoke on the Move
“Paris is taking responsibility on to be the left tackle and the guy over there on the left side… and he looks smooth, he looks natural.” –Hjalte Froholdt
“I know he’s going to thrive out there on the left side.” – Will Hernandez
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