Cardinals QB Kyler Murray 'Likes' Buckeyes OT Paris Johnson 'A Lot'

New reports are surfacing about the rising draft stock of former Ohio State Buckeyes left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., ahead of the NFL Draft.

The draft stock of Ohio State Buckeyes left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. could be much higher than many mock drafts suggested in the leadup to the NFL Draft. 

A report from NFL.com's Mike Garafolo revealed in the wake of Johnson's top-30 visit with the Arizona Cardinals that quarterback Kyler Murray has made his opinion known on the ex-Buckeye within the franchise. 

"[For what it's worth] word is Kyler Murray likes Paris Johnson a lot and has let that be known inside the [Cardinals’] building. Johnson visited there recently," Garafolo wrote via his Twitter on Monday.

FWIW word is Kyler Murray likes Paris Johnson a lot and has let that be known inside the #AZCardinals’ building. Johnson visited there recently. https://t.co/qxsDYrR9wT

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 24, 2023

In a talented offensive tackle class, draft experts have not quite formed a consensus on who holds the title of the best. But if Garafolo's intel is anything to show for it, the Cardinals believe Johnson to be the headliner in a draft where at least three will hear their name called on Day 1.   

With the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, it was long thought that the Cardinals would likely go with an edge rusher or trade the pick to a team that would be looking to take a quarterback. This makes Arizona a potential wildcard of a pick as recent mock drafts from well-respected analysts like Dane Brugler has Johnson going to the New York Jets at No. 13. That pick now belongs to the Green Bay Packers, thanks to the Aaron Rodgers trade. 

At the same time, Peter King has Johnson going off the board at ninth overall to the Chicago Bears. 

Where Johnson will end up hearing his name called is unclear. But if recent reports are anything to show for it, he could be the first offensive tackle off the board.

---

Be sure to stay locked into BuckeyesNow all the time!

Join the BuckeyesNow community!

Subscribe to the BuckeyesNow YouTube channel

Follow BuckeyesNow on Twitter: @BuckeyesNow_FN

Follow Harrison Reno on Twitter

Follow BuckeyesNow on Instagram: @BuckeyesNow_FN

Like and follow BuckeyesNow on Facebook!