The 2023 NFL draft is just over one week away, and we here at Commanders Wire will look to profile multiple 2023 prospects daily leading up to day one of the draft.
We will focus on prospects who could be available for Washington and who fit a position of need. Our prospect profiles will not be exclusive to projected first-round picks only but also players who will be selected on the second and third days of the NFL draft.
The Commanders are first on the clock at No. 16 overall.
Today, we profile Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson.
The numbers
Size: 6-foot-6, 313 pounds
40-yard dash: N/A
Arms: 36 1/8″
Hands: 9 1/2″
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: 9′ 2″
10-yard split: N/A
Scouting report
Look at Paris Johnson’s measurables, and they scream, “Pro Bowl left tackle.” Of course, being a standout NFL player is far more than measurables. But Johnson has the talent, the tape and the upside to justify going in the top 10 of the 2023 NFL draft. Johnson played guard in his first two seasons at Ohio State before moving to left tackle in 2022, where he thrived. Johnson’s arm length and athleticism have pro scouts drooling at his potential impact.
Here’s Lance Zierlein of NFL.com’s scouting report on Johnson:
Long, athletic tackle in need of additional technique work but possessing the traits to become a long-time starter on the left side. Johnson is still filling out his frame and he should get stronger. He’s much better as a move blocker than man blocker but he can bridge that gap with more coaching. He’s loose and quick in pass protection but will need to add core strength and get better with inside hands to prevent edge defenders from bypassing his anchor. Johnson’s athletic tools and position versatility are advantageous but the going could be a little bumpy early on before he settles in.
College stats
2020: Appeared in five games at guard as a true freshman.
2021: Started all 13 games at right guard and named second-team All-Big Ten.
2022: Started 13 games at left tackle, earning first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors.
Highlights
Fit with Commanders
It’s doubtful that Johnson makes it to Washington at No. 16. It’s even more unlikely that the Commanders move up in the draft. But, if Johnson falls, it would be a gift for Washington. Veteran Charles Leno Jr. is the current left tackle. Leno has played much better than people realize, but you upgrade when you have the opportunity. With Leno under contract in 2023, Washington could play Johnson at guard or even at right tackle. If Johnson played right tackle, Andrew Wylie could slide to right guard, and Sam Cosmi could move to left guard, upgrading three positions with one draft pick.
Of course, Johnson’s long-term future would be at left tackle. Washington could also release Leno after the draft and hand the reins over to Johnson. If the Commanders could come away with Johnson in the first round, they’d deserve an A+ grade.
