Chicago Bears Draft: An in-depth assessment of Paris Johnson Jr.
By Todd Welter
One draft prospect Ryan Poles could consider is Ohio State Paris Johnson Jr.
Pro Football Focus has Johnson Jr. listed as their second-best offensive tackle prospect. He started 13 games last season at left tackle for the Buckeyes. During his sophomore season, he started 13 games at a right guard. He also saw action in five games as a true freshman at guard.
Is Paris Johnson Jr the best Tackle in the draft?
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 12, 2023
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He allowed 14 pressures on 449 pass-blocking snaps last season and yielded just three career sacks.
PFF thinks his best position is at left tackle. That would mean moving Braxton Jones to right tackle.
The issue for Paris Johnson Jr. is he has only played 13 games at left tackle, so he is somewhat raw at that position.
If the Bears draft Paris Johnson jr. you have to be ready for growing pains.
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) April 14, 2023
He’s VERY athletic but has only played one year at tackle. He’s going to have to grow into the position. #DaBears #Bears #ChicagoBears
In his first game at left tackle, he faced Notre Dame’s Isaiah Forskey and allowed just one pressure. He did play well enough last season to earn second-team AP All-American honors and first-team all-Big Ten.
He has the ideal size for a left tackle at 6’6″, 313 pounds, and 36 1/8″ inch arms. At the combine, he had a 9’2″ broad jump that shows good explosiveness.
Johnson Jr. has blocked for Justin Fields during the 2020 season. So, there is a familiarity there. He does check the value box that Ryan Poles craves as he can play inside and outside.