Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr showcased his elite talent in front of Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus during the college’s Pro Day and had eagle-eyed fans recalling his legendary high school tape.
The 21-year-old has seen his Draft stock skyrocket and is now being tipped to be snapped up by the Bears with the ninth overall pick next month. But he enjoyed early internet fame while turning out for Princeton High School. In a highlight reel of his high school career, the six-foot-six giant towered over his unfortunate opponents, swatting away any pass-rusher who dared challenge him.
In one clip a young Johnson can be seen flinging his opposite number to the ground with next to no effort while in another, he easily brings his man to the floor before resting his large frame on him. And if the ordeal was not enough, Johnson taunts the pass-rusher who is understandably annoyed at being made to feel so small.
The 310-pound titan has maintained his dominant presence and impressed scouts at Ohio State’s Pro Day this week. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer highlighted the youngster’s display, dubbing him a ‘true’ left tackle.
“Lot of hype around CJ Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison yesterday at Ohio State.” Breer wrote in a Tweet on Thursday. “I actually heard the guy who helped himself most, in the eyes of scouts, was probably LT Paris Johnson Jr. Has elite traits and is a true left tackle. Still young, but HIGH ceiling.”
That unique talent was on full display in his famous tape that has now been viewed on YouTube over 600,000 times. Should the Bears decide to take the plunge and select Johnson with the ninth pick they’ll plug a clear gap in their roster at the position. Alongside fellow projected high Draft picks, Stroud and Smith-Njigba, Johnson has excelled, giving up only nine quarterback hurries, no QB hits and recording two sacks in 12 games for the Buckeyes.
As a result, Johnson is one of the most exciting talents due in part to his long arms and flexibility which should go some way to providing better protection for Justin Fields if the Bears pick him up.
The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft takes place on Thursday April 27 ahead of rounds two and three on Friday April 28. The final round will commence on Saturday April 29 with the event hosted at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.
