Roderick Johnson 2017 NFL Draft Profile

Roderick Johnson 2017 NFL Draft Profile

This year the draft does not have a big name offensive tackle who is being looked at as a top-five pick. But that does not mean that this year’s draft is devoid of offensive line talent. At 6’7” and 323 pounds, Florida State’s Roderick Johnson could be the book end tackle that NFL teams are looking for.

Johnson was one of the top offensive tackle recruits in 2014 and was a starter at left tackle for the Seminoles by the end of the year as a true freshman. After being a Freshman All-American he started every game as a sophomore. From that point, until declaring for the draft following his junior year in 2016, Johnson was not just a two-time All-ACC offensive lineman, he was also a two-time recipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy which is awarded to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top blocker. Additionally, he was named an All-American by multiple outlets.

Johnson has all of the physical tools to be a successful tackle in the NFL, but has not yet developed them. He has the size and moves very well. When pass setting he appears flexible and athletic. He needs to improve his strength as he can have trouble getting movement if he doesn’t have an angle on the defender. He also gets blown back by initial contact both in pass protection and the run game. Once engaged, defenders have an extremely difficult time getting off of his blocks.

Strengths

excellent size;

like glue, makes it difficult for defensive players to disengage once he gets his hands on them;

very strong upper body, great strike in pass protection;

good feet, pass sets well;

ran both zone and down run blocking schemes in college;

athletic, can pull.

Weaknesses

will get knocked back on first contact by stronger defensive lineman in the run game and can be bull rushed in the pass game;

gets lazy in his technique and opens up pass rush lanes due to poor body position;

will struggle against top pass rushers;

doesn’t get as much drive on defenders as NFL teams would like to see;

needs to add strength;

will lean on defenders at times rather than rolling his hips.

Teams with Need at Position: New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos

Projection: fourth or fifth round

Bottom Line

Roderick Johnson has some impressive physical gifts that have not yet been developed to their fullest extent. He would have been well advised to remain in college for another year, and could have seriously increased his draft stock by doing so. He may not have what it takes to develop into an elite left tackle in the NFL, but he may be able to develop into a very good right tackle. At least early on in his career, that could be the best fit for Johnson. No matter what Johnson will need to increase his strength and endurance so he can be more consistent in his technique.