[divider top=”0″ style=”solid”]
Lane Johnson OT Oklahoma #69
Wt: 303
[divider top=”0″ style=”solid”]
[draftace membership]
Size/Athleticism: An elite athlete for an offensive lineman. Played quarterback in high school and at junior college before switching to tight end and then to defensive end. Finally switched to tackle in 2011. Prototypical skill set for a left tackle. Has the frame to add some weight without losing much of his agility.
Pass Protection: Elite foot quickness. Impressively quick and fluid in his kick-slide and can stay with just about any speed rusher. Can mirror blitzing linebackers and defensive backs as well as anyone in the game and essentially shuts down the speed rush from his side of the line. More powerful lineman can sometimes bull rush their way past him, but he does not get beat off the snap. Shows surprisingly strong fundamentals in pass protection. Does a nice job staying low, which is often tough for taller linemen to master when switching to the position.
Run Blocking: Has the speed to easily get to the second level and is an asset when asked to pull. More physical than you’d expect for a prospect with limited experience at the position. He doesn’t have overpowering strength, but he plays nasty. Still learning the fundamentals of run blocking. Doesn’t always take great angles but did show improvement in his consistency over the course of his senior year.
Intangibles: Only two years of experience as an offensive lineman and only 11 career starts at left tackle.
Durability: No known issues.
Comments: Johnson has the potential to develop into an elite left tackle, but should be viewed as a first-round prospect and an immediate starter despite his lack of experience. He’s picked up the position impressively fast and is ready to play immediately. There will definitely be some growing pains given his lack of experience, and veteran pass rushers will take advantage of him at times, but his elite athleticism gives him the ability to recover from mistakes he’ll make as he learns the nuances of the position.
[/draftace membership]
