Chicago Bears Draft: An in-depth assessment of Paris Johnson Jr.

Is Johnson Jr. a better fit for the Bears than Peter Skoronski?

Many draft experts consider Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski to be the top offensive lineman available in the draft. Skoronski has short arms for a tackle so he might have to be moved inside to thrive in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears can at least get by this season with the players they have on the interior. They need to come away with a starter at tackle in this draft.

Paris Johnson Jr. projects to be a good starter at tackle whereas Skoronski projects to be an average tackle in the NFL (but a great guard).

One area Johnson Jr. must improve in is his functional strength. Strength is not something that is considered a knock against Skoronski. The Bears already have to get Braxton Jones stronger. They might not want to add another lineman at a premium position who needs an offseason or two to bulk up.

Also, Skoronski had the better broad jump at the combine and is more fundamentally sound than Johnson Jr.

Johnson Jr. is the better athlete and good athleticism is needed in the Chicago Bears’ zone-blocking scheme.

Johnson Jr. has already blocked for Justin Fields in a game. Granted it was college, he was playing guard, and it was three years ago. Still, Paris understands some of Fields’ intricacies as a passer whereas Skoronski has none.

Both have faced some of the best edge rushers in the Big Ten, but Johnson Jr. has faced Forskey from Notre Dame and taken on Georgia’s offensive line last season. He has also faced defensive tackles from Alabama and Clemson during his freshman year. Johnson Jr. has just played in more big games than Skoronski.

When you put them up against each other, they both check the versatility that Poles desires The deciding factor could be that Johnson has the value to be good at tackle and guard whereas Skoronski might only be good at one offensive line position.