GLENDALE – Entering Year 4, Arizona Cardinals tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is due for a massive leap. In his first three seasons, despite not receiving Pro Bowler or All-Pro honors, Johnson has quickly become Arizona’s best lineman and an underrated name at his position. Many experts inside the NFL sphere understand the 25-year-old’s potential, including Pro Football Focus.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!PFF ranked the top 10 players entering 2026 the most likely to receive their first All-Pro selection and Johnson landed at No. 5. He was ahead of names like Byron Murphy and Chase Young. The former sixth overall pick has all the momentum and motivation on his size, especially with his love for competition at an all-time high.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) against the Green Bay Packers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Johnson on desire for competition:
With the Los Angeles Rams trading for edge Myles Garrett, Johnson gets to thrive in an even more competitive NFC West. The lack of winning hasn’t deterred the 6’6 tackle in his production. Last year, Johnson had a 76.6 overall PFF grade, which ranked 20th out of 89 tackles. His 77.1 passing block grade was 16th for tackles and a massive achievement given the team’s horrible offensive line unit.
There is still plenty room to grow, as he acknowledges, allowing 34 pressures, eight QB hits, seven penalties and five sacks in 2025. The losing streak and lack of chemistry on the offensive line likely led to those numbers being surrendered. However, the additions of guard Chase Bisontis and Isaac Seumalo will surely make Johnson’s life easier.
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (70) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals haven’t had a First-Team All-Pro offensive lineman since right guard Bob Young in 1979, when the franchise was in St. Louis. Johnson could break 47-year curse for the offensive line, but getting pass names like Penei Sewell, Garett Bolles, Tristan Wirfs, Trent Williams and more seem a massive challenge for the fourth year tackle. The competitive spirit is there but will he able to limit his mistakes to make the leap into elite status.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
