Zion Johnson – IOL – 22 years old – Senior – Boston College
Cut : 1m92
Weight : 142kg
Estimated draft position: 20-40
Stats 2021: 777 snaps, 3 pressures and 1 sack conceded
NFL Comparison: Elgton Jenkins (Packers)
Strong points
- Run Block
- Protection
- Technical
- Versatility
- Character
Well-built player (hefty and compact physique), Zion Johnson has many qualities. In a ground game-oriented attack, he shone in college. Combining physical power and good technique, it is very effective in opening up breaches. His mobility also allows him to be a good protector, one who concedes little pressure. Including when in 2020, for the needs of the team, he played as a left tackle. As good in protection as he is for the ground game, he is a rare commodity. Hand technique, footwork, understanding the intentions of the defense, Zion Johnson gives a lot of assurances about his future with the pros.
After occupying the position of left tackle in 2020, he was switched back to his natural position in 2021, and again he was an essential part of the attack of Boston College: essentially in a zone system. After holding those two positions at the college level, he was tested at center in the 2022 Senior Bowl. Again, he showed himself to his advantage. For the NFL, Zion Johnson offers versatility, between guard and center positions. With this little extra, that of being able to help out at the post of tackle, if injury. His level of play as well as this versatility give him a lot of value for the 2022 draft.
Ignored when he left high school, Zion Johnson had to join an FCS* level university. He hung on and a season later was recruited by Boston College. This mentality is necessarily a quality, even more so for these duty players (non-reducing) that are the offensive line players.
*NCAA Division 1 is divided into a first level (FBS) comprising 130 universities and then the FCS level.
Weak points
Of course, Zion Johnson can, and probably will, progress. But to sum up, a franchise sees what it will have. Younger players like Kenyon Green (Texas A&M) or Tyler Smith (Tulsa) offer more potential but on the other hand, Zion Johnson is ready to start from week 1. It’s hard to find many faults in him: if he doesn’t does not offer a quality that makes our mouths open wide, nothing obvious seems to be missing in his game.
The stat: 9.75 RAS
The Relative Athletic Score compiles data from the NFL Combine to give a score out of 10. He won the offensive lineman bench press, placed 3rd in the Shuttle for 20 yards, 2nd at 3 Cone, 6th in the long jump and 3rd in the high jump! These athletic results are excellent and NFL scouts are sensitive to them. This result of 9.75 out of 10, ranks him 31st offensive guard out of the 1200 tested since 1987! Also showing a lot of agility in the specific workshops, he solidified his top 50 status and can reasonably dream of the 1st round.
Possible destinations
Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Commanders
The attacks in need of reinforcement on the offensive line are numerous, each year. With his guard / center versatility, Zion Johnson will inevitably be of interest. Whether at the end of the 1st round or at the start of the 2nd, Zion Johnson will not have to wait too long for his name to be called. In the 1st round? The Dallas Cowboys let go of Connor Williams and fans remember what a great offensive line does, it wasn’t that long ago. Roger Saffold left Nashville and the Titans of Derrick Henry could recruit him, while if the Jaguars signed Brandon Scherff, they still lack a starting guard, they could choose him at the very beginning of the 2nd round. Even more with the retirement of Brandon Linder because Zion Johnson seems to be able to also occupy the position at the very center of the line.
Zion Johnson is a safe bet, this lion of the Rastafari culture who can lead his people to paradise. A paradise named in the NFL, Super Bowl.
Big man moving 👀👀👀 @damienwoody pic.twitter.com/AS1kpLYFRk
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) March 4, 2022
