Arizona Cardinals take OL Zion Johnson in Peter Schrager’s mock draft
Apr 21, 2022, 12:38 PM | Updated: 2:12 pm
Zion Johnson #OL22 of Boston College runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Good Morning Football host and NFL insider Peter Schrager made a mock draft this week with the disclaimer that his picks are based on what he’s heard from sources.
His projection has the Arizona Cardinals selecting Boston College offensive lineman Zion Johnson with the No. 23 pick of the first round.
Johnson is 6-foot-3, 312 pounds with 34-inch arms.
Incredibly intelligent and versatile, Johnson would immediately find a spot along Arizona’s offensive line. I don’t see the Cardinals taking a defensive player in the first round for a third straight year — regardless of who’s on the board.
Johnson started at left guard for the Golden Eagles last year as a graduate student. He made the All-ACC first team and was an Associated Press All-American in 2021.
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NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein graded Johnson as an eventual plus starter, complimenting the guard’s strong base, ability to finish blocks and smarts.
The Cardinals have not taken an offensive lineman in the first round since left tackle D. J. Humphries in 2015. They took off-ball linebackers with their first pick in each of the last two drafts: Isaiah Simmons in 2020 and Zaven Collins last year.
Arizona added guard Will Hernandez to their veteran position group this offseason.
The opening round of the NFL Draft is set for next Thursday.
