On the clock: Pick No. 9: Chicago Bears – Paris Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
The Chicago Bears can already be classified as a winner of the NFL Draft acquiring not only picks but also a No. 1 receiver in D.J. Moore, but here they also provide some blocking for Justin Fields with a prototypical tackle prospect in Paris Johnson.
Paris Johnson and Peter Skoronski are the two favorites to be the first offensive lineman off the board, and a lot will depend on if teams view Skoronski as a tackle or a guard. Johnson however has no such questions surrounding which position he could play in the NFL.
🔦 Paris Johnson Jr. - OT, #OhioState 🔦
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) April 18, 2023
📈Athleticism and Size
📈Agility and Technique
📈Coordination
📉Power/Anchor
Pro Comp: Russell Okung
Team Fits: #Raiders #Bears #Jets
Grade: Round 1️⃣
Position Rank: 1️⃣
Big Board Rank: 7️⃣#NFLDraft #NFLDraft2023pic.twitter.com/aHzCLBWSyh
Johnson is a more prototypical left tackle at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds and has the perfect height/speed/length ratio that teams are looking for. He has the potential to add even more weight and muscle in an NFL weight program too.
Johnson is sometimes guilty of being too much of a finesse blocker rather than utilizing his strength, but that can be easily coached. He looks like a good bet to be a franchise tackle in the NFL.