Offensive tackle is one of the biggest needs for the Chicago Bears heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. Fortunately for them, they should have options with their first pick at No. 9 overall to improve the position and one player is already expressing his desire to play in the navy and orange.
Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr., one of the consensus top options at the position, was a guest on Barstool Sports’ “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast and was asked which teams he would most like to play for if he had the choice.
Johnson hemmed and hawed for a minute, first saying the Tennessee Titans but then named the Bears as well as the Atlanta Falcons as his top preferences.
.@ParisJohnsonJr gives his Top 3 teams he wants to play for in the NFL
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“For me personally, the first thing I look at is state taxes,” Johnson admitted when talking about his preferences, which led him to the Titans who are picking with the No. 11 overall pick. It’s also worth noting the show’s hosts Taylor Lewan and Will Compton are both former Titans and the show itself is based out of Nashville.
He also mentioned the Miami Dolphins, but figures they don’t need a tackle and also do not have a first-round pick. Johnson then pivoted to teams he would like to play for that also would be in need of his services.
“I would say realistically who like needs a tackle, I would say Chicago,” Johnson said. “I would also say the Falcons, to be in Atlanta too that would be huge.”
The Falcons pick one spot ahead of the Bears but aren’t likely to be in demand for a tackle early in the draft. They still have former Pro Bowler Jake Matthews anchoring the left side and recently re-signed Kaleb McGary at right tackle. That would put the Bears as Johnson’s best option if he gets his wish.
Ever since general manager Ryan Poles traded down from No. 1 to No. 9 with the Carolina Panthers in early March, Johnson has been a popular pick amongst draft experts for the Bears. The Ohio State standout has met with the Bears on multiple occasions and their front office had a front row seat at his pro day in Columbus.
Johnson started two seasons as a Buckeye, playing guard in 2021 before moving to left tackle in 2022 where he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, helping Ohio State reach the College Football Playoff. He’s projected to be one of the first offensive linemen off the board when the draft gets underway in a few weeks.
