2023 NFL Draft odds indicate surprising wrinkle in Arizona Cardinals plans

Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (77) and running back Miyan Williams (3) sing Carmen Ohio after beating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been clear for weeks that the Arizona Cardinals want to trade the No. 3 pick as they are in the onset of a rebuild and want to stockpile assets, but what if they can’t move the pick and they have to pick at No. 3.

The Cardinals aren’t in the market for a quarterback, and while they would rather accumulate assets, they may need to make a selection in the three hole on Thursday night. With the team not involved with quarterback prospects, a lot of the conversations have centered around defensive prospects and more recently offensive linemen.

Since the beginning of draft week, the drumbeat has continued that the Cards would be interested in Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr., possibly as high as No. 3 if the team simply needs to make a pick.

Two guys I think the NFL is higher on than all the people pumping up two mock drafts per day …

1) Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon.

2) Ohio State OT Paris Johnson.

Either could go as high as 3, and I see both as pretty locked in to go inside the Top 10. More in here 👇👇 https://t.co/ZyoYgh7BTD

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 24, 2023

The Cardinals have been linked to both pass rushers Will Anderson and Tyree Wilson if they stand pat at No. 3, but offensive linemen is now part of the picture with the Cardinals and the odds reflect that with Johnson’s stock soaring ahead of Thursday’s first round.

Here are the updated odds for the No. 3 pick with Johnson firmly in the mix to be selected if the Cards can’t get out of the pick.

2023 NFL Draft No. 3 overall pick odds

Paris Johnson Jr. picking up steam to be No. 3 pick to Arizona Cardinals

This all revolves on the lack of interest in teams trying to trade up to No.3.

If the team isn’t in love with either top defensive prospect, or Arizona’s favorite prospect is gone by No. 3, the team may just take the best fit for them which is an offensive lineman, and that player seems to be Johnson.

The Ohio State tackle is now the overwhelming favorite to be the first offensive lineman off the board, and has seen his over/under shift from 10.5 to 9.5 with a heavy premium on the under.