Leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft starting on April 27th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up...
Paris Johnson Jr. (Offensive Tackle), The Ohio State University, Junior
Paris Johnson Jr. stands in at 6'6" tall, weighing 310lbs, and is likely the top offensive lineman prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Katie Good
Paris Johnson Jr. lines up against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 College Football Playoffs
Overview
Johnson is what every team looks for when they start their search for their franchise left tackle. He without question has the size, length, strength, and athleticism to develop into one of the best left tackles in the league. This has been the case since Johnson was in high school, as he was the #7 overall player for the 2020 recruiting class and the #1 offensive tackle.
Even with his high pedigree, Johnson didn't see the field much until his sophomore year where he started 13 games at right guard for the Buckeyes. He performed extremely well there, and showed he has the ability to handle bigger and stronger defensive tackles without looking overwhelmed from a strength perspective.
His junior year, he started 13 games at his natural, left tackle position and played very well. Helping anchor one of the best offensive lines in college football, Johnson is now likely to be the first offensive lineman to hear his name called, but he definitely still has room to improve with his hands and footwork.
Pros:
- Size, good height and length
- Very good burst and initial release
- Elite athlete for position
- Excellent recovery ability
- Fluid athlete
- Violent punch
- Works well in space and getting to second level
- Good recognition of stunts by defensive line
- Good mean streak
Cons:
- Two hand punches, can get beat initially if it doesn't land
- Happy feet at times, when he gets beat by strength its because his feet don't ever stop moving in pass protection
- Redirects his man instead of driving them off the ball in the run game too often
- Only one season at tackle in college
- Frame still needs filled out, but has room to do it
- Hands get wide too often
The Steelers offensive line continued to grow throughout the 2022 NFL season, and looked to be one of their strong points by the end of the season. However, the organization could still look to secure an upgrade in the 2023 NFL Draft. Johnson is the top tackle prospect in this draft, and Steeler Nation would love to have him protecting Kenny Pickett's blindside for the next decade. There is a good chance that he is gone before the Steelers' first pick at 17, but if Johnson is still on the board, it will be extremely difficult for them to pass on him.
Hand Technique and Footwork
If you were to pick what area of Johnson's game needs the most improvement, it would be here. He has very quick feet and hands that he uses well to turn into quick initial contact and good power. However, he currently is a two-hand puncher, which a lot of players are, but that leaves him susceptible to initial misses if it doesn't land. That has happened on occasion in college, but his elite recovery ability has made up for it. Johnson always has a good base and quick first step, but in pass protection he has a tendency to get 'happy feet' where he never truly sets a strong anchor. At the next level, stronger pass-rushers will try to take advantage of that with a bull rush and try to collapse the pocket. Both areas he can easily improve on, but definitely where he has the most room to grow.
Mobility
You will be hard pressed to find a better mover in space than Johnson in this year's draft. He is one of the top athletes at the position and has never found a block or an angle has hasn't been able to get in position to make. He has very quick feet off the snap and that allows him to beat defenders to the spot and get out in front on outside zones, or easily reach the second level to cut defenders off.
AP Photo
Paris Johnson Jr. leading the way against the Minnesota Gophers in 2022
Power and Strength
Johnson has solid functional strength, which he has shown instances of in both the run game and pass protection. When he sets his feet and anchors down in pass protection, there are very few instances of him being pushed back into the pocket. He doesn't always try to drive his man in the run game vs. turning them out of the hole, but he has shown the ability to displace defenders when he desires. There is no doubt that Johnson could afford to add more strength, but he currently has a build on the leaner side and is only 21 years old, so adding strength should come as he gets introduced to an NFL strength program.
NFL Comparison - Terron Armstead
Finding tackles that are as athletic as Armstead and Johnson isn't always the easiest thing to do, and when you do, they usually have other holes in their game. Armstead wasn't a highly touted recruit or even a first round pick, but he has proven that his athleticism, length, and continued improvement in technique since the 2013 NFL Draft, that he is an elite offensive tackle. Johnson has a very similar build and skill set to Armstead, but is more polished coming out of college than Armstead was.
Draft Projection - Top 20
Johnson isn't a lock to be a top 10 pick, but there is a good chance he could be the first offensive tackle taken in this draft, which will likely mean he is selected in the top half of the first round.
Let us know below what you think about Johnson as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the black & gold! What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!
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