The Arizona Cardinals’ organized team activities (OTAs) begin this week, and one of the most pressing questions heading into the season is who will start at left tackle after DJ Humphries’ departure. In his pre-OTA press conference, head coach Jonathan Gannon answered that question by announcing that Paris Johnson Jr, the sixth overall pick last season, would be moving to left tackle and former Cincinnati Bengal Jonah Williams would be the new right tackle. Gannon’s entire press conference is available below.
Paris Johnson Jr’s Versatility Is a Strength for the Arizona Cardinals
One of the reasons the Arizona Cardinals were so interested in Paris Johnson Jr. was his flexibility. While mostly a left tackle at Ohio State, Johnson Jr also played left and right guard throughout his career. Johnson Jr. excelled as a pass blocker in Columbus and demonstrated this capability during his debut season with the Cardinals.
After a season at right tackle, Paris Johnson Jr. will return to his usual position at left tackle. The Arizona Cardinals should not anticipate this decision to take long to pay off, as Johnson Jr demonstrated last year that he is a quick learner.
Jonathan Gannon will assess the move throughout OTAs, but he has the “veto power” to reverse it and return Paris Johnson Jr. to right tackle.
Jonah Williams will bring Veteran Leadership to the Arizona Cardinals
With DJ Humphries’ departure, the Arizona Cardinals could use some experienced expertise in the trenches. Jonah Williams starts his sixth season in the NFL with the Cardinals, bringing the most postseason experience to the offensive line. After a year with one of the league’s youngest rosters, Arizona focused the offseason on bringing in players under 30 with postseason 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
