Greg Johnson (guard, Minnesota) played center in 2024 before moving to guard in 2025. In a recent mock draft from CBS Sports, they listed him as a mid-first-round pick. Does the tape match this lofty projection?
Greg Johnson 2027 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report
Measurables
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 325 lbs
The Tape
Games Watched: at California, at Iowa, and at Oregon.
Strengths
Versatility is a major plus for Johnson. He started at center in 2024, before moving to guard in 2025. He helped the team by making one start apiece at left and right tackle. That versatility gives him a high floor and would mean he has a strong chance to dress on Sundays in the NFL.
Johnson further improves his stock by being a tough blocker. He keeps fighting to the last echo of the whistle! The NFL loves tough offensive line prospects, and this will appeal to offensive line coaches when they get involved in the draft process.
Johnson’s pass protection is the better portion of his game. He flashes the ability to set up quickly, and when he plays with a solid base, it’s hard to beat him. His size and length help him, particularly in terms of being able to get into his man’s chest early in the play.
In the running game, Johnson is good at climbing to the second level and making solid blocks. He projects best in a man/gap heavy scheme as he can move defenders, and his style is more mauler than technical/finesse type of player.
Minnesota left guard Greg Johnson can move people. He gets under his man and creates a nice hole for his back on this play.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/mTlSyBvRGt
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) July 16, 2026
Areas to Improve
Johnson isn’t an elite athlete for the position. Against more athletic defenders, there are times when he struggles. While he started at tackle in two games in 2025, he would struggle to hold up outside in the NFL.
Minnesota left guard Greg Johnson has athletic limitations. This play is an example. He needs to get into his man quickly and win early.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/2AqdEDWbym
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) July 16, 2026
While Johnson’s set-up in pass protection can be quick, at other times his feet don’t move. This leads to him becoming off balance and, at times, beaten by speed. His base widens too much at times, which doesn’t help this issue. It also prevents him from dropping his weight to help him anchor.
As a run blocker, he’s not as effective as a zone blocker. He lacks quick enough feet to be able to work square, and subsequently releases a lot of blocks too early. His hand width measurement at the Senior Bowl and/or NFL Combine will be of interest, as he plays like he has small hands.
When Johnson gets his weight going one way, he struggles to redirect, and there are examples on tape of him being off-balance or on the ground.
His hand placement is also inconsistent. Initial hand placement can be wide, and if defenders are able to shed his block, this is likely to draw flags.
Key Tests in 2026
Minnesota has avoided Ohio State and Oregon on the schedule in 2026. However, they face the National Champions, Indiana, in Bloomington on October 31. That follows hosting Iowa, a team that always has tough defensive lines.
Other tests include Mississippi State (September 12), at Washington (September 26), a tough Michigan defense (October 3), and at Penn State (November 14).
The full schedule can be found here.
Greg Johnson 2027 NFL Draft Projection
Trey Zuhn III didn’t have great tape at left tackle and some snaps at center for Texas A&M in 2025, but he was still a third-round pick. This was because of his toughness and versatility. Johnson has both of these traits. His tape in 2025 is a little better than Zuhn’s.
Johnson does have limitations, and unless he improves as a zone-run blocker, his tape is not of the quality of a mid-first-round pick.
As more NFL teams employ more man/gap running plays, his value may increase. Right now, he projects as a day-two pick with a high floor because of his ability to play guard and center.
Main Photo: [Mark J. Rebilas] – Imagn Images
