Top Prospect Struggles to Hide His Dream to Join the Bears
Paris Johnson Jr. has distinguished himself as potentially the top offensive tackle in the 2023 draft class, thanks to his impressive 6'7 frame, 36-inch arms, and tight end-like mobility despite weighing over 300 lbs. His dominant performance last year for Ohio State boosted C.J. Stroud's chances of becoming a top-two pick in the draft. However, Johnson's own draft projections vary, with some expecting him to be picked in the bottom half of the top 10, while others place him in the mid-teens.
When asked about his preferred destination during an appearance on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast, Johnson mentioned Miami and his hometown team, the Cincinnati Bengals. However, three teams, including the Chicago Bears, caught his eye as ideal landing spots.
Johnson's interest in Chicago is understandable, given the Bears' significant need at the tackle position, which would allow him to play immediately. He expressed no preference regarding the side he plays on, having experience as both a left tackle and a proper guard. Johnson appreciated his interview with Bears GM Ryan Poles, and the coaching staff at the scouting combine. He praised their ability to make the process enjoyable through casual football discussions and fun activities like putt-putt or darts.
Another factor drawing Johnson to the Bears is the opportunity to reunite with former teammate Justin Fields. Though their time together was brief, Fields' leadership left a lasting impression on Johnson, who would relish the chance to block for him as Fields continued to pursue NFL success. While it remains uncertain what GM Ryan Poles has planned, selecting Johnson would likely please many, including the player himself.
As seen at: Paris Johnson Fails Miserably To Hide His Desire To Play For Bears
| POLL | ||
6 AVRIL | 84 ANSWERS Top Prospect Struggles to Hide His Dream to Join the Bears Should the Bears focus on the draft of free agency to fix the O-line? | ||
| Draft | 71 | 84.5 % |
| Free Agency | 13 | 15.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
