Why Patriots should target Ohio State’s Paris Johnson
The New England Patriots need to bolster the offensive tackle position dramatically in the 2023 off-season. The team’s greatest need is at offensive tackle.
2022 left tackle Trent Brown (a favorite here) is entering the last year of his contract. Hopefully, he’ll be re-signed. When healthy, he’s a solid NFL tackle on either side. Isaiah Wynn, a former first-round pick, has underperformed and is a borderline first-round bust. He should be out the door this off-season.
Whatever the eventuality with Brown, the New England Patriots must add at least two and possibly three new offensive tackles in camp in July. Two tackles should be drafted and one veteran added in free agency.
The need for a tackle existed before last season’s draft. It wasn’t addressed, yet they reached way up for a guard. Brilliant. The need for a guard was created by the Patriots’ own injudicious brooming of two solid guards, Shaq Mason by trade and Ted Karras who left in free agency.
This lack of personnel management ability has dogged the New England Patriots for decades and is not likely to change soon. In any event, the team needs offensive tackles in this draft.
New England Patriots should draft a big tackle in the draft’s first round
The four top tackles have been noted in the NFL draft according to Pro Football Focus. Any one of the four would probably be a solid addition to the Patriots wobbly offensive line. But which one fits best and should be the choice of the Patriots?
First, the required attributes should be discussed. This tackle has to have excellent length. If the player is going to be playing out on the island known as an offensive left tackle, he needs to be very tall with long arms to deflect oncoming pass rushers.
The New England Patriots learned the hard way when they wasted a first-round pick on Wynn in the 2018 NFL draft (passing up brilliant quarterback Lamar Jackson in the process).
Wynn was a good college offensive left tackle, but the team should have been wary of his ability to play OLT in the NFL. Wynn was too short (i.e. not long enough) to man that position in the NFL. At a listed 6’3″ tall (probably more like 6’2″), he wasn’t close to adequate height and length.
This year’s selection has to have that attribute. In addition, having played against top competition is always a good prerequisite. Playing at a big-time program makes you a better player since every day in practice you are likely facing NFL-level players.
Who fits that mold best in 2023?
The New England Patriots should draft Paris Johnson of Ohio State
Paris Johnson is the tackle who checks all the boxes for the New England Patriots. He is 6’6″ tall. He has 35 3/8″ long arms. He’s a solid pass blocker and an outstanding run blocker and he’s played at a big program against top competition.
Want your voice heard? Join the Chowder And Champions team!
Here’s part of what 247sports.com has to say about the big OLT,
"Prototypical left tackle frame. Long and lean with a plenty of untapped physical upside…Nimble-footed at the point of attack, has the flexibility and body control along with the explosiveness and strength coveted at the position. Athletically there isn’t a block he can’t make in today’s fast-paced game. Can get out and run, gets a hat and clears out second-level defenders."
Johnson is exactly like what the New England Patriots need. Need more convincing, here’s part of what thedraftnetwork.com notes about Johnson,
"Johnson came into his own in 2022 as Ohio State’s left tackle … He has exceptional range as a run blocker and can be trusted to execute longer pulls. He pairs top-end mobility with an impressive frame that features an athletic build with long limbs. Johnson has plenty of high-level flashes where his blend of size, power, and athleticism leads to dominant reps…There’s so much to like about his size, athleticism, coordination, and development."
The problem is, Johnson will not likely be available at pick Number 14 when the Patriots are on the clock. He’s projected to be taken anywhere from the 7th to the 15th pick in the draft. That will necessitate a trade-up.
Next. Patriots should be eyeing this Boston College star receiver. dark
If it does, and Johnson passes former Patriots’ offensive line coach extraordinaire, Dante Scarnecchia’s approval test, then the team should make the move. After quarterback, the OLT is the most important position on any football team, especially in the NFL.
That’s the choice here for the New England Patriots 2023 first-round pick. Who do you think the Patriots should select in the first round of the draft and at which position? We’d like to hear.