One of the most important issues going into the season for the Arizona Cardinals is who will start at left tackle in DJ Humphries’ absence. OTAs get underway this week. In response, head coach Jonathan Gannon said at his pre-OTA press conference that former Cincinnati Bengal Jonah Williams would take over at right tackle and Paris Johnson Jr., the sixth overall choice from the previous season, would slide over to left tackle. Here is a link to Gannon’s entire press conference.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s versatility was one of the reasons the Arizona Cardinals were so taken by him. Throughout his career, Johnson Jr. lined up at left and right guard in addition to his primary position at Ohio State as a left tackle. Johnson Jr. demonstrated his strength as a pass blocker during his debut campaign with the Cardinals, having thrived in that role in Columbus.
Paris Johnson Jr. will return to his usual position at left tackle after spending a season at right tackle. Given that Johnson Jr. demonstrated last year that he is a quick learner, the Arizona Cardinals shouldn’t anticipate that this move will take a long time to succeed. During OTAs, Jonathan Gannon will assess the play, but he has the ability to “veto power” it and shift Paris Johnson Jr. back to right tackle.
The Arizona Cardinals could use some seasoned trench expertise after DJ Humphries left. Jonah Williams, who will join the Cardinals for his sixth NFL season, will be the offensive line unit member with the most playoff experience. Arizona concentrated their off-season efforts on acquiring players under thirty who had postseason experience, following a season in which their team had one of the youngest teams in the league.
