Paris Johnson Jr. 2023 NFL Draft odds: Ohio State offensive lineman new favorite to be picked third overall by Cardinals after Kyler Murray endorsement

The Arizona Cardinals have made it known they are open for business to trade the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to a quarterback-needy team, as they don't need one with Kyler Murray signed to a long-term deal. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer and others have reported in the past 24 hours or so that the Cardinals are finding it tough to move down and might stay at No. 3. It's probably not a coincidence that Ohio State offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. has emerged as the new +250 favorite at DraftKings to be the No. 3 pick (regardless of which team picks there).

One of Ohio State QB CJ Stroud (now +275), Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. (+350) or Texas Tech pass-rusher Tyree Wilson (+350) had previously been favored to go third overall. It's certainly possible the Cardinals could take one of the latter two as they need pass-rush help in the worst way after JJ Watt's retirement, but priority No. 1 might be protecting Murray after his ACL injury, which may keep him out to open the 2023 season. According to Pro Football Focus, the Cardinals allowed the quickest time to pressure in the NFL last season (2.37 seconds).

DK lists defensive lineman/edge rusher as the +125 favorite as the position of Arizona's first drafted player with offensive linemen close behind at +135. DK gives Johnson an over/under draft spot of 9.5, with the Under a heavy -270 favorite. He's not expected to last past No. 9, the pick currently held by Chicago. Johnson is the -230 favorite as the first offensive lineman off the board ahead of Northwestern's Peter Skoronski (+180).

The CBS Sports Big Board lists Skoronski as the No. 6 overall prospect and Johnson No. 13. Why might Johnson have the edge at No. 3? According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, Murray likes Johnson "a lot" and has told the organization that. Arizona likely has two openings on the offensive line alongside D.J. Humphries, Will Hernandez and Kelvin Beachum. Humphries and Beachum both play tackle but could move inside for the 6-foot-6, 313-pound Johnson, who was a 2022 consensus All-American. He played right guard in 2021 (thus he could temporarily move inside if need be) and left tackle in 2022 when he allowed just two sacks and 11 pressures in 424 pass block snaps.

The last Ohio State offensive lineman picked in Round 1 was Billy Price at No. 21 overall in 2018 by Cincinnati. He started 11 games last year for Arizona but doesn't currently have a team. Johnson seems likely to be the highest-drafted Buckeyes offensive lineman since Orlando Pace went first overall in 1997 to the Rams.

NFL.com gives Johnson a grade of 6.39 (will eventually be a plus starter) and an NFL comp of Brian O'Neill. O'Neill was a 2018 second-round pick by Minnesota and a 2021 Pro Bowler. 

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