Which offensive lineman from Ohio State is expected to be selected in the first round? Buckeye Breakfast

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a factory for producing elite football talent, and when it comes to the offensive line, the program’s reputation is no different. The Buckeyes consistently produce some of the best offensive linemen in the country, many of whom go on to have successful careers in the NFL. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on Paris Johnson Jr., one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in the nation and a potential first-round selection.

Johnson is a 6’6″, 315-pound offensive tackle from Ohio State, and his play over the last few seasons has firmly cemented his place as one of the premier players at his position. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and powerful technique, he is a prototypical NFL offensive tackle with the skills to start immediately at the next level. As we prepare for the draft, many analysts have Johnson projected to be taken in the first round, and he could even go within the top 10 picks.

This article will delve into Johnson’s background, his strengths and weaknesses, why he’s expected to be selected in the first round, and what his potential landing spots in the NFL could be. Additionally, we will explore how his development at Ohio State and his dominant performances on the field make him one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Paris Johnson Jr.: A Brief Background

Before diving into the specifics of why Paris Johnson Jr. is such a highly anticipated NFL prospect, it’s important to understand his background and how he got to this point.

Johnson was a highly recruited player out of Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was one of the top offensive line prospects in the country. A consensus 5-star recruit, Johnson committed to Ohio State as part of their impressive 2020 recruiting class. Over the next few seasons, he developed into one of the top offensive linemen in college football, demonstrating both the physical tools and technical proficiency necessary to thrive at the next level.

Johnson initially played guard during his freshman year at Ohio State before making the transition to offensive tackle, a position that better suits his skill set. It was in this role that he truly began to shine. He spent the 2022 season as the starting left tackle for the Buckeyes, and it was here that he displayed his high level of play, going up against some of the top pass rushers in the country.

In 2023, Johnson continued to dominate on the left side of the line, earning several All-American honors and receiving recognition as one of the top offensive linemen in the nation. His success as a pass protector and run blocker, combined with his athleticism, make him one of the most well-rounded offensive tackle prospects in recent memory.

Strengths of Paris Johnson Jr.

What makes Paris Johnson Jr. such an attractive NFL prospect is his combination of size, athleticism, and technical refinement. Let’s break down some of the key strengths that have made Johnson one of the top players at his position.

Size and Length

One of the first things that stands out about Johnson is his size. At 6’6″ and 315 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an offensive tackle. His long arms give him a natural advantage in pass protection, as he is able to keep defenders at bay while engaging in block engagements. His size also makes him a force in the running game, where he can use his strength and reach to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage.

Athleticism and Agility

Paris Johnson Jr. isn’t just big—he’s also incredibly athletic. He possesses impressive footwork, especially for a player of his size. His ability to slide in pass protection and mirror edge rushers is one of his most impressive attributes. Johnson’s agility allows him to adjust his body quickly in space, which is critical when facing speed rushers and athletic defensive ends. His ability to move laterally while maintaining control makes him a versatile player who can excel in both power and zone blocking schemes.

Pass Protection

Johnson’s pass protection skills are arguably the best part of his game. Throughout his time at Ohio State, he consistently displayed the ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side. His ability to anchor against bull rushes and handle speed rushers around the edge is what sets him apart from other offensive linemen in this draft class. Johnson’s combination of strength, technique, and athleticism make him an ideal left tackle, a position where protecting the quarterback is of utmost importance.

His use of quick hands and a strong base allows him to mirror defenders while also staying balanced in pass sets. As college football continues to emphasize the passing game, the need for a reliable and dominant tackle to protect the quarterback’s blind side is greater than ever. Johnson’s exceptional pass protection will be a key asset at the next level.

Run Blocking

While Johnson is perhaps best known for his pass protection, his run-blocking skills are also exceptional. He has the strength to drive defenders off the ball and create running lanes for his team’s running backs. His ability to engage defenders at the point of attack and control the line of scrimmage gives running backs more opportunities to gain yards in short-yardage situations or when the team wants to control the clock.

Johnson’s drive-blocking ability is noticeable, as he has the strength and leverage to move defenders in the running game. His ability to open up holes in both power and zone schemes will make him a versatile asset for an NFL offense.

Football IQ and Technique

Paris Johnson Jr. has consistently impressed scouts and coaches with his football IQ. His understanding of defensive line techniques, stunts, and blitzes allows him to quickly adjust his blocking assignments and provide help to teammates when necessary. This awareness, combined with his technical prowess, makes him a very refined prospect for the next level.

His hand placement and footwork are textbook, and his ability to play with leverage consistently helps him keep defenders off balance. Johnson has demonstrated time and again that he can handle top-level competition, whether facing elite pass rushers in the Big Ten or top-ranked teams during the college football season.

Areas of Improvement

While Paris Johnson Jr. has shown he has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL, there are still a few areas of his game that could use some refinement as he makes the jump to the professional ranks.

Consistency in Run Blocking

While Johnson is a strong run blocker, there have been times when he has been more inconsistent in this area. In the NFL, where defenders are faster and stronger, it will be important for him to maintain a high level of aggression and physicality when run blocking. While Johnson has shown the ability to push defenders off the line of scrimmage, he will need to improve his consistency in maintaining that level of dominance on every snap.

Overextension and Balance

At times, Johnson’s overextension can affect his balance and timing. When facing quicker edge rushers, he has occasionally gotten caught off balance due to trying to engage too aggressively or being too eager to get to the second level in the running game. NFL defenders will be quicker to capitalize on these lapses, so Johnson will need to refine his timing and make sure he stays grounded in all situations.

First-Round Projection: Why Paris Johnson Jr. Will Be Selected Early

Given his combination of size, athleticism, technique, and versatility, it’s no surprise that Paris Johnson Jr. is expected to be selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. There are several factors that make him a top-tier prospect:

1. Positional Value: The offensive tackle position is one of the most important in the NFL, particularly for teams that prioritize pass protection. The left tackle position, in particular, is crucial for protecting the quarterback’s blind side. Teams looking to build for the future or protect their franchise quarterbacks will have Paris Johnson Jr. high on their draft boards.
2. NFL-Ready Skills: Johnson’s ability to step in and make an immediate impact as a starting left tackle in the NFL is one of the main reasons why he’s projected to be selected in the first round. His exceptional pass protection, physical tools, and maturity make him an ideal fit for NFL offenses that rely heavily on having an elite tackle to protect the quarterback.
3. Versatility: Johnson’s ability to play both guard and tackle during his time at Ohio State gives him a versatility that other prospects may not have. Teams that need a player who can excel in multiple roles along the offensive line will value this adaptability. While Johnson is projected to be a tackle at the next level, his experience in multiple spots will only add to his appeal.

Potential Landing Spots

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, several teams could be in the market for an offensive tackle, and Paris Johnson Jr. could be a great fit for any of them. Here are a few teams that could select him in the first round:

• Chicago Bears (No. 1 overall): The Bears are in desperate need of offensive line help to protect Justin Fields, their young quarterback. Paris Johnson Jr. could step in and immediately make an impact on Chicago’s offensive line.
• Arizona Cardinals (No. 3 overall): The Cardinals have Kyler Murray at quarterback, and they could use a left tackle to keep him upright. Johnson would be a natural fit here.
• Indianapolis Colts (No. 5 overall): With a new quarterback likely entering the fold, protecting him will be a priority. Johnson could provide a long-term solution at tackle.
• Tennessee Titans (No. 11 overall): The Titans have already invested heavily in their running game, and adding a player like Johnson to their offensive line would only make that unit stronger.

 The Bright Future of Paris Johnson Jr.

Paris Johnson Jr. is one of the most highly regarded offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, and his selection in the first round seems almost inevitable. His combination of size, athleticism, and technique makes him an ideal fit for an NFL team looking to improve their offensive line, particularly for teams with young quarterbacks or those looking to bolster their passing game.

Whether he is selected within the top 10 or just outside that range, there’s little doubt that Paris Johnson Jr. will be a cornerstone player for whichever franchise selects him. His future in the NFL looks incredibly bright, and the Buckeyes can be proud of yet another elite prospect set to make an impact at the next level.