The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The last time the Green Bay Packers selected an offensive lineman in the first round was in 2011 when they selected Derek Sherrod with the 32nd overall pick.
A player that could put an end to that streak is Zion Johnson. The Boston College offensive lineman checks in at No. 61 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Johnson was a 19-game starter at Davidson prior to transferring to Boston College in 2019.
During his first season at Boston College, Johnson started seven games at left guard. In 2020, Johnson started 11 games at left tackle.
This past season, Johnson kicked back inside to guard but made one start at left tackle.
“Zion Johnson had another stellar year at BC leading to his being named to multiple All-America teams and the All-ACC first-team again,” Niraj Patel, a contributor for BC Interruption, said. “He allowed zero pressures this season and graded out seventh-best among all guards in the country, per PFF. With some injuries along the offensive line, Johnson was often called upon to shift positions to get the next best man up. The man is just a star who can make life much easier on coaches. Primarily though, he returned to his more natural guard position this year and crushed it.”
A former zero-star recruit, Johnson turned himself into one of the best offensive linemen in college football. He finished his career at Boston College with 30 career starts (18 at left guard and 12 at left tackle).
Johnson is a plug-and-play starter at guard, but he has the versatility to kick out and play right tackle at the next level. He even took snaps at center during Senior Bowl week. That type of versatility could make him an attractive target for the Packers with the 28th overall pick.
“He can do it all,” Patel said. “He’s played in a couple of different blocking schemes in his time at BC and excelled at both. He also showed positional flexibility. In 2020, with a new zone-based scheme, Zion ended up playing a lot at left tackle. But we also later discovered this was due to an injury to another player. The staff trusted Zion to make the move even though he was so dominant at guard and he adapted well adding to his repertoire. He’s proven he can do so much. Heck, he even took snaps at center at the Senior Bowl. It’s clear he still projects as a top guard prospect, but that versatility in a moment’s notice can come in very handy.”
Johnson has a strong base and is able to anchor down against bull rushers. He’s stout and is a technician in pass protection. He has strong hands to quickly stonewall defenders. He displays a high football IQ and is quick to diagnose stunts and twists. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson gave up just one sack and three hurries all season.
“He has a great anchor and prevents his opponent from even sniffing the quarterback,” Patel said. “With his steady frame and big hands, he generates a lot of power. Not to mention his arm length advantage. Pass protection is really where he is at his best. Zion’s a technician who shows great consistency. He handled himself at guard and tackle, allowing only one sack in his BC career. At 6-3, 316 he has the ideal size for an interior blocker, but that tackle experience definitely allowed him to improve even further in pass protection.”
Johnson is a mauler as a run blocker. He’s an outstanding finisher and is able to create a ton of movement to open up running lanes. He plays with outstanding leverage. The two-time captain has the athleticism to climb to the second level with ease.
“BC had a 1,000-yard rusher this year, and two years ago, as you Packer faithful have come to know, AJ Dillon put on a show,” Patel said. “Zion was a force to be reckoned with and paved the way on these lines for these tailbacks. Having played in a triple-option, power run, and zone scheme, he’s certainly seen his fair share of action as a run blocker. He’s not viewed as the most athletic in space, but he wins at the point of attack and can knock guys down. He generates a good push and clears gaping holes with good hip movement and pure strength.”
Fit with the Packers
The last time the Packers selected a guard in the first round was 1994 when they selected Aaron Taylor with the 16th overall pick.
The Packers have had a ton of success drafting interior lineman on day three of the draft, but if Johnson is there his talent may be too good to pass up for Gutekunst.
Johnson fits the type that Gutekunst likes to select in the first round. He’s going to test through the roof and he’s only 22 years old.
Johnson is a plug-and-play starter at guard and has the ability to play right tackle. A future offensive line that has Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, and Newman in the interior with David Bakhtiari at left tackle has the makings of the best offensive line in football.
“I can’t have any tomato cans on the line with a franchise quarterback behind them,” Patel said. “These pass rushers today are going to eat the weak links up regardless of the help. Among the interior guys, Johnson will be a hit, and a safe pick too. He’s a high IQ football player and an absolute technician on the line.”
If the Packers indeed “run it back” with this core group, they’ll be looking for players that could provide an instant impact. Johnson could start immediately at right guard and be a decade-long starter for the Packers.
