Paris Johnson Jr. ready to anchor Arizona Cardinals’ left side

ARIZONA — Arizona Cardinals tackle Paris Johnson Jr. enters next week’s training camp a little more prepared – a little leaner – and ready to protect quarterback Kyler Murray on the left side of the line of scrimmage.

Johnson was the No. 6 pick last year and played right guard while DJ Humphries filled his current spot.

After Humphries was cut, Johnson returned to the left side while Arizona brought in Jonah Williams to play right this offseason.

Johnson’s sophomore campaign will again require mastering a new position, though he told reporters today at the team’s facility that the extended preparation time will be an asset:

“I think the difference between year one and year two was just the extra time I had to focus on the position I was going to play,” Johnson said.

“Obviously last year, coming out of the draft – not knowing what I was going to play, left, right or even guard – through that whole training process, now I spend all my time, whether it’s OTAs or my time off in the summer, but on my own, working out here, working out in California or something like that, everything I do in the weight room – the recovery on the field – just getting my body ready to play at the highest level for the upcoming season.

“I know where I’m going to be and I’ve had a lot of reps on one side, so I’m excited.”

Johnson now slides into the “primary position” along an NFL offensive line protecting the quarterback’s blind side.

It’s rare to hear about individual battles being won in the trenches, though Johnson says winning those battles will ensure Arizona’s top players can win theirs:

“My mindset has always been that when I win my one-on-one, the ball goes down the field. I think that’s what excites me the most as a left tackle is that … as soon as I win my matchup, we go down the field,” said Johnson, who simply seeks respect:

“It’s a question of respect. I’m always trying to improve, but also to express myself more, especially at left tackle, which is a completely different role.”