While there is continuity among the players on the offensive line (the Cardinals re-signed left guard Evan Brown and veteran tackle Kelvin Beachum), there is a new voice leading the room. Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye was hired after Klayton Adams departed to become the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator.
Yes, the Cardinals got the coach who helped elevate Johnson’s game in college to ultimately become a first-round pick.
“The communication, the techniques, the stuff I feel like we communication on, we’re on the same page a lot.” Johnson said of reuniting with Frye. “I feel like I’m starting to revert back to the training development that (helped) to get to this point, but now I’ve added the tools and the physical experience of playing my first two years already.”
With the draft being days away, Johnson would love for his Ohio State brethren to be selected because of the familiarity with Frye’s coaching style. The trenches are a priority, and Buckeyes offensive linemen Josh Simmons and Donovan Jackson have previously been mocked to the Cardinals.
Johnson speaking up is intentional. Since entering the facility, even though he’s the usually one of youngest guys in the room, there’s been an emphasis on leadership. Being vocal now goes beyond his game day role of pumping up his fellow lineman.
“I’m trying to work on being able to communicate, not only on the hype side, but trying to communicate team goals,” Johnson said. “That’s a step I’ll have to take. The calmer version of communicating.”
That step has been taken with the first day of voluntary workouts in the books.
“The offseason, especially with me being hurt, felt longer than usual,” Johnson said. “Having that itch to get back to work and be back in the building with the guys, I’m very excited.”