Chicago Bears Big Board for 1st Round of 2023 NFL Draft 1.0
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Bears Big Board 1.0, Number 4: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
When the Bears are on the board, Smith-Njigba and one of his teammates, offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., could both be available still. If it’s between the two of them, Poles should go with Johnson, as much as some might want the former.
Chicago’s offensive line might just be a right tackle away from being set, believe it or not. It seems odd to admit that, but take a look:
LT: Braxton Jones
LG: Lucas Patrick
C: Cody Whitehair
RG: Nate Davis
RT: Paris Johnson Jr.
You could argue that Patrick and Whitehair switch spots, potentially, as that’s been alluded to.
Johnson is the best offensive tackle in the draft, bar none. Peter Skoronski projects much better as a guard, due to his shorter arms. Johnson, though, stands 6-foot-6, weighing 313lbs and boasting 36 1/8″ arms.
For a man of his size, Johnson is extremely athletic. He’s accustomed to working with mobile quarterbacks, and will help protect another former Ohio State Buckeye in quarterback Justin Fields, who so happens to be electrically-mobile.
One might think the Bears could move back a couple of picks and still end up with either Johnson or Smith-Njigba, and they could be right. But, the safe move would be snagging Johnson here.