Summer Scouting: Is Paris Johnson the Next Top-10 LT?
Ohio State saw their left tackle in 2021 enter the NFL draft, Nicholas Petit-Frere was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round. With a vacancy at the position, there’s some shifting that will happen this season. Paris Johnson, who started every game at right guard in 2021, will transition to left tackle for the Buckeyes and protect CJ Shroud’s blind side. Coming out of High School, Johnson was a 5-star recruit and joined Ohio State, needing to wait for playing time as Ohio State’s offensive line was set. He only played 26 snaps his freshman season and then stepped in at right guard in his sophomore season. While starting 13 games, he did not allow a sack in 768 snaps. Johnson is listed at 6-6 and 315 pounds and he looks to his next challenge, entering his Junior year with his greatest college task, attempting to boost his draft stock into the top of the 2023 class of offensive tackles.
Strengths:
-Zone scheme preferred player
-relocates hands well in pass protection
-Good-Great footwork; rarely see him stop moving his feet
-Head on a swivel in pass protection
-Athletic player on the move and in recovery
-Technically sound puller and efficient mover down the line
Where to improve:
-Pad level in consistency
-Absorbing power
-Weight distribution consistency
-Functional strength application
What I’m looking for with the switch to LT:
-The footwork transition with his kick step, getting to his landmark
-Recovery with speed from the edge
-Using fewer two-hand jabs in pass pro
-Taking on the bull rush
Paris Johnson is projected the be the number one tackle in this class by many, but it’s not an easy transition from the interior to the left tackle position. I would expect some growing pains in his footwork and timing early on in 2022 before he gets comfortable. He’s got the tools to be a great tackle and become the best tackle prospect in this class, it’s all about how he can put it together and apply it to faster and more athletic rushers/run stoppers. He’s also tasked with keeping one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 draft protected which can put some added pressure on him this year. It’s going to be fun to see how he transitions this season and takes on the challenge.