Which Former Ohio State Offensive Lineman is Set to Become a First-Round Pick? Buckeye Breakfast
In the world of college football, few programs boast the kind of consistency and dominance on the recruiting trail that Ohio State University does. The Buckeyes have long been known for developing elite talent on both sides of the ball, with many of their players achieving high draft status in the NFL. One of the most coveted positions in the draft, particularly in the first round, is that of the offensive lineman. Teams looking to build a franchise around a strong offensive line know that selecting a top-tier lineman can be a game-changer, providing the necessary protection for their quarterback and a stable foundation for their running game.
In this “Buckeye Breakfast” special, we’ll explore the former Ohio State offensive lineman who is set to become a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. This player is more than just a physical specimen; he’s a proven leader, a versatile blocker, and a cornerstone of one of the most dominant college football programs of the last decade. His journey from high school to Ohio State and ultimately to the cusp of becoming a first-round pick is a testament to his work ethic, development, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Let’s dive deep into the career of this remarkable player, his potential for the future, and how he’s poised to leave his mark on the NFL.
Ohio State’s Tradition of Offensive Line Excellence
Before we delve into the individual story of this future first-round pick, it’s important to understand the context within which he’s developed. Ohio State has long been considered one of the premier programs in college football, with its offensive line standing out as a key pillar of success. The Buckeyes have consistently produced elite offensive linemen who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. From Orlando Pace to Joe Thomas to more recent stars like Taylor Decker and Billy Price, Ohio State’s offensive line is widely regarded as one of the best in the country year in and year out.
At the heart of this offensive line success has been a rigorous recruiting process that identifies the best high school talent and a coaching staff led by offensive line guru Greg Studrawa. The program focuses on developing offensive linemen who are not just big and strong, but also technically proficient, disciplined, and capable of excelling in both pass protection and run blocking.
Each year, top-tier recruits flock to Ohio State with the hope of following in the footsteps of the program’s former offensive linemen. This commitment to building an elite offensive line has made Ohio State a powerhouse in the Big Ten and a frequent contender in the College Football Playoff. For any offensive lineman coming out of the Buckeyes’ program, the expectations are high—and the chance of being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft is certainly within reach.
Who is the Former Ohio State Offensive Lineman Poised to Become a First-Round Pick?
The player who is currently at the forefront of Ohio State’s offensive line prospects is none other than Paris Johnson Jr. As of the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most highly anticipated offensive linemen, not only from Ohio State but from across the entire country. This powerful and versatile offensive tackle is poised to make a major impact on the NFL after an outstanding college career, and most projections have him going in the first round of the draft, with some even predicting he could be one of the first players selected in that round.
Let’s break down why Johnson has earned such high praise and why he’s set to hear his name called early on draft day.
A Star-Crossed Journey from High School to Ohio State
Paris Johnson Jr.’s journey to becoming a first-round NFL draft prospect began long before his time at Ohio State. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Johnson was an elite high school prospect who was ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country. He attended Princeton High School, where he dominated as a blocker and helped lead his team to several state playoff appearances. His combination of size, agility, and technique made him a standout in the trenches, and it wasn’t long before major college programs took notice.
After receiving offers from nearly every major program in the country, Johnson ultimately chose to stay in-state and commit to Ohio State. His decision to become a Buckeye was seen as a major victory for head coach Ryan Day and the Ohio State program, further cementing the team’s reputation for producing elite offensive line talent.
Development Under Greg Studrawa and the Ohio State Coaching Staff
One of the key reasons why Paris Johnson Jr. is poised to be a first-round pick is his development during his time at Ohio State. Upon arriving on campus in 2020, Johnson was placed in the capable hands of Greg Studrawa, Ohio State’s offensive line coach. Under Studrawa’s tutelage, Johnson’s raw talent was refined and sharpened, allowing him to develop into one of the most technically sound and complete offensive tackles in the country.
In his first season, Johnson showcased his potential, playing as a true freshman in a backup role. His ability to step in and contribute immediately as a rookie hinted at his potential. However, it wasn’t until his sophomore and junior seasons that Johnson truly began to emerge as one of the nation’s top offensive linemen. In 2021, he became a full-time starter at left guard, and in 2022, he made the transition to left tackle, a position he would eventually excel at. This move solidified his status as a future NFL player, as left tackle is widely considered the most important position on the offensive line.
Throughout his time at Ohio State, Johnson consistently demonstrated his elite athleticism, strength, and versatility. His ability to move quickly for a man of his size, combined with his excellent hand placement and footwork, made him a nightmare for opposing defensive linemen. His quickness and agility allowed him to dominate in both the running and passing game, whether it was creating running lanes for Buckeye running backs or protecting the quarterback’s blindside.
Performance and Metrics: Why Paris Johnson Jr. is a First-Round Lock
Paris Johnson Jr.’s performance on the field has been nothing short of spectacular. His size—standing at 6’6″ and weighing around 310 pounds—gives him the physical tools to excel at the next level. His combination of strength, size, and agility allows him to overpower defenders in the run game while also offering superb protection in the passing game. But Johnson is not just a physical specimen; he’s also an intelligent player with a high football IQ. He reads defenses well, understands offensive line schemes, and quickly adapts to opposing defenses.
Throughout his college career, Johnson was consistently graded as one of the top offensive tackles in college football by various draft analysts and scouts. His ability to handle elite pass rushers, protect his quarterback, and dominate in the run game has earned him high praise from NFL scouts. Pro Football Focus (PFF), one of the leading sources for player evaluation, gave Johnson elite grades throughout his career, solidifying his reputation as one of the most polished and complete linemen in the nation.
Johnson’s Strengths: What Makes Him Special
What sets Paris Johnson Jr. apart from other offensive linemen in this year’s draft class? There are several key attributes that make him an exceptional prospect:
1. Quickness and Agility
Despite his imposing size, Johnson moves with impressive quickness and agility for a player of his stature. This allows him to quickly adjust to different pass rushers and seal off defenders in the run game. His lateral movement and ability to change direction make him a standout in pass protection, where he is able to mirror defenders and keep them at bay.
2. Football IQ
Johnson’s understanding of offensive line play is one of his greatest assets. He has a keen ability to read defenses, identify blitzes, and communicate effectively with his fellow linemen. His mental sharpness allows him to anticipate defensive movements and make quick decisions, which is essential for a top-tier offensive tackle in the NFL.
3. Strength and Power
Johnson’s raw physical power makes him a dominant force in both the run and pass games. His ability to move defenders off the ball in the running game creates running lanes and allows his offense to be more dynamic. He also uses his strength effectively in pass protection, keeping defenders away from the quarterback.
4. Leadership
As a captain at Ohio State, Johnson exhibited leadership both on and off the field. His experience leading a high-profile program like Ohio State has prepared him to handle the pressures of playing in the NFL. He’s an excellent communicator, and his work ethic sets an example for his teammates.
The NFL Draft Outlook: Where Could Paris Johnson Jr. Land?
With his combination of skill, size, and pedigree, Paris Johnson Jr. is widely expected to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His stock has only risen during his time at Ohio State, and there are several teams in need of a top-tier offensive tackle that could take him early. Some projections have him going as high as the top 10, with teams like the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, or New York Jets potentially targeting him to bolster their offensive line.
Johnson’s ability to step in and make an immediate impact at the next level makes him an extremely valuable asset for any NFL franchise. Whether he’s protecting a young quarterback or helping establish a powerful running game, Johnson has the tools to be a cornerstone player for many years to come.
