Paris Johnson's recipe for Cardinals success: 'Just throw it to Marvin (Harrison) and we'll be good'

Heading into his rookie campaign, Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. was uncertain as to which side he’d be playing on — or even if he’d be playing guard.

The 2023 first-rounder is far more confident coming into his second season and far more certain of the future ahead for Arizona’s 2024 first-round selection, former college teammate Marvin Harrison Jr.

A true believer that it all starts up front, Johnson opined Tuesday that — just like at Ohio State with C.J. Stroud — his focus is on bestowing Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray with ample comfort to go long to Harrison as often as possible.

I was simply thinking, let C.J. do his thing. That’s my approach; I want Kyler to have the freedom to do his thing,” Johnson explained to the press. “Don’t fret about anyone else, just focus on your game, that’s why you’re here. Just pass the ball to Marvin and everything will be fine. Do you understand what I’m saying? That’s what excites me, and I believe it all begins with what we do on the line.”

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The Cardinals picked Johnson sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he played right tackle in all but one snap, with the other snap at tight end. Currently, Johnson is transitioning to left tackle with the goal of safeguarding Murray’s blindside and initiating numerous significant plays from Harrison.

Harrison, who was the No. 4 overall pick for the Cards this year, has all the qualities of a surefire, immediate-impact prospect. He demonstrated remarkable consistency, delivering 14 touchdown catches and 1,200 receiving yards in each of his last two seasons with the Buckeyes.

After playing with Harrison for two seasons in the Buckeyes, Johnson had personally witnessed Harrison’s capabilities. It was during his time at Ohio State that Johnson developed his understanding of what it means to succeed as a left tackle and contribute to significant game advancements.

“My mindset has always been that once I win my one-on-one, the ball advances down the field,” said Johnson. “That’s what thrills me about being a left tackle, especially on longer plays that require more protection. These are usually one-on-one situations, which I really enjoy. There’s a certain point in the play where you’re holding your opponent and you know they’re not going anywhere. That’s when you start to smile. You realize, ‘The ball’s gone.’ It’s either going to result in a touchdown or a significant gain. In my opinion, that’s the mentality that a left tackle needs to have. Once I win my rep, we’re moving down the field.”

Johnson is evidently thrilled to take on his new role as starting left tackle and is just as openly excited to team up with Harrison again to assist in setting up numerous big plays.

He observed how it appeared in college and hopes to introduce it to the desert.

“Clearly, I had the opportunity to play with many talented players during my college years,” said Johnson, “I’m pleased we have one of those players here to catch the ball.”