Paris Johnson Jr. Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)

School: Ohio State (Junior)

Position: OT

HT: 6’6

WT: 313 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #17

Paris Johnson is another one of those versatile tackles who can play multiple positions on the field. It is also worth noting that he is as good of a human being off the field as he is a football player on the field. At Ohio State, Johnson was an academic standout and received multiple awards for his efforts in the classroom. He also helped his community by volunteering during his free time. He has all the makings of becoming a true leader as his NFL career progresses. In 2022, he was a left tackle, but before this past season he was the starting right guard for the Buckeyes. While you may think that this hinders his experience at the left tackle position, it only makes him more of a swiss army knife for any team along the offensive line. A big reason this transition was so effortless for Johnson is his length. I mean these measurements really pop out at you. His arm length of 35 6/8 inch arms puts him in the 99th percentile of offensive linemen historically at the NFL Combine. His wingspan of 85 ⅝ inches puts him at the 100th percentile! The dude is an absolute freak of nature. Johnson has violent and active hands with a firm anchor which makes it difficult for edge rushers to shed blocks. Johnson reads defensive schemes well and his football IQ is amongst the best at his position. His wide base and length allows for him to seal the edge. Rushers often try to go to his inside, which is just as ineffective as trying to rush the edge. Johnson carries his weight well and is always looking for work when moving downfield. Johnson will often finish his initial blocking assignment and immediately use his football IQ to move up the field and take on another blocking assignment.

Paris does have some ways he can improve, despite being one of the best at his position in the draft class. Johnson is great in pass pro but often struggles to work upfield during running sets. He needs to use his arm length in a better capacity as rushers can look to stack him and move him back given the opportunity.

Paris Johnson seems to be an elite offensive tackle prospect that is gonna make a positive impact on the left side of an NFL team’s line right away. While it is apparent that he can play all over the line, his length projects him to stick at the Left Tackle spot at the next level.

Scheme Fit: West Coast

Ideal Role: Left Tackle

Best Team Fits: TB, GB, TEN

Player Comparison: Andrew Thomas

Player Grade: 86.7