Paris Johnson Jr. 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Ohio State has been a mass producer of elite NFL talent in recent years, and they have a few guys in this year’s class as well. One of those names is offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Johnson has blocked in some massive games, and that experience could play a factor in his readiness early on in the NFL. What does his draft profile look like? Let’s talk about it.
Johnson was a five-star recruit coming out of Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was ranked as the ninth overall prospect in the 2020 class, and the top offensive tackle. Johnson won the starting job in 2021, starting 13 games at right guard without conceding a sack. He made the move to left tackle last season, giving up just two sacks in 757 total snaps.
Johnson Jr. did not run at the combine, but from his on-field workouts, Trey noted he displayed good movement skills and solid feet. Click here for the full offensive line notes.
I’ve talked about it a few times just how much I love offensive linemen who can play multiple positions along the line. Johnson looks and feels like a natural tackle, where he should play in the NFL. His kickback is solid, giving him distance control over speed rushers. He’s athletic enough to change direction based on the move set of his rusher. Johnson has a mean streak to him, more than willing to finish a block to the ground. His footwork has vastly improved since he started at Ohio State.
I have a major red flag. I noted above he can finish a block. But that’s once he’s engaged. He has almost no sting on first contact. I want my tackle to be aggressive, and clean, from the snap. He also isn’t very strong on combo blocks, another big issue. Could stand to clean up his punch it’s far too wide. Johnson also isn’t much of a mauler in the run game. One year at tackle could be concerning to some, but he’s only 21 so he has time to grow.
Paris Johnson Jr. has first-round tackle written all over him. He really shouldn’t make it past pick 17, but if he does it can’t be far behind that. He should definitely develop into a plus starter and an anchor on the blindside.
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