Cardinals Rumors: Paris Johnson Jr. Linked to ARI amid Tyree Wilson Buzz

Throughout the lead-up to Thursday's NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals have been believed to be eyeing a defensive player with the No. 3 pick, namely stud edge-rusher Tyree Wilson. However, the team reportedly could look to fortify their offense.

"The Cardinals have been linked to Wilson and offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State)," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday. "Though No. 3 is considered rich for Johnson, there's buzz Arizona likes him."

The Cardinals are coming off a disappointing 4-13 campaign in 2022, which resulted in the firing of head coach Kliff Kingsbury and the departure of general manager Steve Keim. Kingsbury was replaced by former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, while former Tennessee Titans executive Monti Ossenfort was hired as GM.

It would make sense for Arizona to look to bolster its offensive line, as the team gave up 46 sacks and averaged 4.3 yards per rush attempt last season. Starting left tackle D.J. Humphries, who was signed to a three-year, $66.6 million contract extension last August, was limited to eight games and had to be placed on injured reserve with a back injury.

Johnson would be a strong addition to the Cardinals offensive line. B/R's NFL scouting department ranked him as the No. 17 overall player and the top offensive tackle in this year's draft class in the most recent big board. He received the designations of "best run-blocker," "best zone-blocker" and "most versatile." He lined up at multiple positions for the Buckeyes during his collegiate career, making 13 starts at right guard in 2021 and 11 starts at left tackle in 2022.

If the Cardinals are enamored with Johnson, it would be wise for the team to look to trade back to accumulate additional assets and address other areas of need in this year's draft.