Top NFL draft analyst has concerns about potential Bears first-round pick
The Chicago Bears’ many splashes in free agency have led many to believe the team will address its offensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bears did add RG Nate Davis, who will start the season on the right side of the line, but Chicago has yet to properly address its need at offensive […]
The Chicago Bears’ many splashes in free agency have led many to believe the team will address its offensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Bears did add RG Nate Davis, who will start the season on the right side of the line, but Chicago has yet to properly address its need at offensive tackle.
Holding onto the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, there is a high probability that one of the premier tackles will slide right into Chicago’s lap. Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. has been lauded as the best tackle in his class, and recently stirred up excitement with Bears fans after naming Chicago as an ideal landing spot.
Johnson has plenty of attributes scouts have been fawning over for some time. He stands at six-foot-six and 313 lbs with 36 1/8” arms. Johnson possesses athleticism and footwork rarely found in a player his size.
For all of the positives Johnson brings to the table, NFL insider Greg Cosell aired out a few concerns on the Ross Tucker Podcast.
“I watched him against Iowa and there were a number of snaps in which Lukas Van Ness just speed-to-power bull rushed him and drove him right back into the pocket. Those visuals I can’t get out of my head. I think he’s a little mechanical and robotic with some stiffness as a pass protector at the left tackle position. People think he’s a great athlete, I didn’t quite see him as a great athlete. I saw him as a good athlete.”
Cosell has forgotten more football than most people will ever learn, but his critiques do come off as nitpicking for a player who allowed just three sacks in three seasons. At 21 years old, Johnson isn’t a complete player yet, as he will have plenty of time to blossom into a Pro Bowl caliber player with the right coaching.
Plus, losing a few reps to Van Ness is nothing to be ashamed about. The Iowa standout is slated to be a first-round selection in his own right.
It’s not easy to find a tackle capable of starting in his rookie season in the middle rounds of the draft. If the Bears pass on Johnson, or another offensive tackle early, the team would be doing a major disservice to themselves and QB Justin Fields.
