Cardinals Trade up With Lions, Draft Paris Johnson Jr.
TEMPE -- The Arizona Cardinals were always going to move down, yet it was their ability to move up that netted them their first-round pick.
After waiting through the entire offseason to hold on to the No. 3 pick, the Cardinals bled nearly their entire 10 minute allowance on the clock before ultimately trading back with the Houston Texans.
The trade ultimately landed them a few other picks, but most notably No. 12 - just nine spots down. However, Arizona traded with the Detroit Lions - giving them 12 and Pick 34 (from the Texans trade earlier) to move back into the top ten.
With that pick, the Cardinals selected Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr., a prospect quarterback Kyler Murray reportedly vouched for within the organization during the draft process.
With plenty of holes to fill, Arizona felt more than comfortable moving down and collecting future draft capital and taking the best player available. Drafting an edge rusher was always possible, but investing into the offensive line and getting the youth movement going was always a priority, too.
Arizona re-signed Kelvin Beachum in the offseason and already have D.J. Humphries. Johnson played three different positions along Ohio State's offensive line during his career, including snaps at guard and tackle.
Picks prior to the Cardinals:
1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
3. Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Ohio State
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
5. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Cardinals - as of now - have pick 33 begin the second round tomorrow.
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