49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Offensive lineman Wesley Johnson
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise’s 2019 “Who Is?” series takes a look at veteran San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Wesley Johnson and whether he stands a chance to make the 53-man roster.
Raise your hand if you heard of San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Wesley Johnson before now.
If you didn’t, that’s OK. The 28 year old only joined the Niners last May on a one-year contract, although he does come with a decent amount of starting experience after being selected in Round 5 of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Johnson didn’t stay on the Steelers’ roster for long that year, though, and was claimed by the New York Jets, where he spent the bulk of his career so far:
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/7/2019.
San Francisco is dealing with some O-line depth during the offseason, namely due to a 2018 knee injury suffered by the would-be starter, Weston Richburg, who has yet to participate in offseason practices.
The starting gig is Richburg’s, if he comes back healthy. But can Johnson manage to compete strongly enough to secure a backup role?
Why Wesley Johnson Improves in 2019
Going back to Johnson’s last full season as a starter — 2017 with the Jets — it’s easy to see why New York wanted to part ways with him. Despite a relatively promising start to his Jets stint back in 2015, Johnson finished 2017 with a Pro Football Focus overall grade of just 51.2, and neither his pass- or run-blocking marks were relatively good.
Johnson was hit with five penalties that year. And while he allowed just two sacks, the 23 pressures allowed was a bit concerning.
On a good note, Johnson has flashed some positive athleticism over the years, which could translate well into head coach Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone blocking system.
If Johnson winds up impressing, this will likely be why.
Why Wesley Johnson Regresses
Johnson came out strong at the pro level despite the early roster snub by Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, that didn’t translate into long-term success, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the past few years’ efforts as an indicator to what’s to come.
Even with the slight change in scheme.
Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2019
Richburg’s injury does, potentially, open up the door for a player like Johnson to hang around a bit longer, particularly if the former is unable to be ready by the start of the season.
Right now, though, the Niners have been mixing in one of Shanahan’s former interior linemen from his days with the Atlanta Falcons, Ben Garland, with the first-team unit. Johnson, despite Richburg’s injury, still appears to be buried deep on the depth chart.
Perhaps Johnson’s versatility and ability to play guard helps out a bit, yet many an interior lineman boast this trait, too. It’s not necessarily unique.
Most likely, Johnson is a camp invitee and someone who can fill voids on the second-team unit during training camp, while getting his primary reps with the third squad.
He might not quite be a long shot. But to say he’s anything but on the weakest end of the roster bubble would be a stretch.
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