Packers 2023 NFL Draft needs: Will Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. be available at #15?

Ohio State wide receiver Paris Johnson Jr. is one of the best left tackles in the NFL draft. While the class isn't as strong as it has been in previous years, there are still a few elite playmakers available and Johnson is one of them.

The Green Bay Packers desperately need a tackle. They're about to hand the reigns to Jordan Love when they trade Aaron Rodgers away and they need someone to protect him.

Will Johnson be available for them to pick? Given Green Bay's 9-8 record, the team doesn't pick until 15th overall. Peter Skoronski, widely considered the top tackle prospect, will probably be gone.

CBS Sports' Josh Edwards mocks Paris Johnson to the Chicago Bears at nine overall. So does Mel Kiper in his 3.0 mock draft.

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah believes he'll go to the Packers at 15th overall. The Ringer's Danny Kelly has him going 16th to the Washington Commanders.

Mock drafts seem to be split on this. However, there is certainly a good chance Paris Johnson Jr. will be available, especially with tackles Peter Skoronski and Broderick Johnson expected to go early, too.

---

Paris Johnson Jr. draft profile: Assessing strengths and weaknesses of Ohio State OT

Paris Johnson Jr. is not a perfect draft prospect. There rarely is one, but Johnson has strengths and weaknesses. The Ringer's Danny Kelly says:

"Johnson blocks with light feet and natural movement skills. He’s nimble and quick, with off-the-charts lateral quickness as a blocker, capable of matching speed with pass rushers on the edge while boasting excellent range as a blocker in space.

"He brings very good length to the position and shows the anticipation and flexibility to absorb blocks, redirect them, and keep his balance and footwork."

However, the tackle's height can be both good and bad when he tries to maintain leverage upright. He often gets too upright in his blocking stance. This allows defenders to get up into his chest and under his pads, too.

How high can Paris Johnson Jr. go?

His timing can be off, as he is sometimes late to punch and his hands often land too far outside to effectively block. If he loses a step, panic often sets in and he's prone to commit a holding penalty in response. If he misses a block in the running game, he may try and lunge to make up for it.

Either way, he's an NFL ready tackle and will likely be a day-one starter for whatever team drafts him.