The Arizona Cardinals could go a number of directions with their first-round pick this coming Thursday in the 2023 NFL draft. They currently have the No. 3 overall pick but could trade back.
Quarterback Kyler Murray has an opinion on the player the Cardinals should draft.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, he is a big fan of Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and has made that known in the building, meaning he has told decision makers that he would like the team to draft Johnson.
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This is not the first time that Murray has pushed for the team to draft an offensive lineman early. He was a big fan of Tristan Wirfs in 2020. He was drafted by the Buccaneers and has been great since Day 1. He wanted Creed Humphrey in 2021. He immediately became a starter for the Chiefs.
Alabama edge defender Will Anderson has been the player most connected to the Cardinals but the number of top offensive line prospects they brought in for visits suggests they could be targeting that area, especially with a trade back.
The Cardinals want to build from the trenches. Adding a young, quality offensive lineman would do that, and it would also show Murray his opinions are valued.
The other two linemen he stumped for are great.
Perhaps the Cardinals could land a great lineman to protect Murray moving forward.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
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