NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears will get a chance to address concerns along their offensive line in the upcoming NFL Draft. One of the names I expect to be connected with them often in the time between now and draft day is Paris Johnson Jr., an Ohio State offensive tackle who makes a ton of sense as a potential Bears draft pick. And not just because he has a long-standing friendship with Bears QB Justin Fields. Although, that is one of those things that falls under the “can’t hurt, could help” umbrella.
For what it is worth, Johnson is cognizant of the Bears’ offensive line needs. So much so that when he was asked by the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast where he wants to play, Johnson answered by listing Chicago as one of the places he realistically thought he would go in the draft based on his understanding of which teams need O-line help.
You can check out the clip below:
I’ll say this for Johnson: He seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Can you remember a time when a prospect said they were looking at state taxes when discussing their playing destination preferences? Sure, it happens when players hit free agency. But this isn’t something draft prospects tend to talk about. Good on him for thinking forward in terms of cash money. That stuff matters, even if he can’t necessarily pick his landing spot on draft weekend.
As for Johnson and the Bears fit, it is almost perfect. Johnson was a Consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2022. He has experience at multiple offensive line positions, which suggests he has the versatility and flexibility to plug and play at one of Chicago’s positions of need. Plus, at OSU’s pro day, Johnson spent some of his workout as a right tackle — which is a primary need for these Bears. This isn’t to say Johnson is the offensive tackle choice for the Bears. After all, there are a handful of prospects who could lay claim to being the draft’s best O-line prospect. Even still … Johnson is part of that mix.
All this to ask again…
