On March 5th, longtime NFL insider Peter King of NBC Sports spoke about the developing situation for the Chicago Bears and the #1 overall pick. He confidently stated that GM Ryan Poles was likely to trade the spot. It was a matter of when, not if, it happened. Then he took things a step further when he pinpointed the Carolina Panthers as the team to watch as things unfolded. Five days later, the other shoe dropped. Chicago sent the #1 pick to Carolina for #9 overall, wide receiver D.J. Moore, and three additional draft picks.
Now people are left wondering what happens next. King may have provided another answer. He released his only mock draft of the year, driven by what he’s been hearing around the league. Some surprises include Tennessee trading up to #3, Detroit landing Will Anderson at #6, and Atlanta taking Bijan Robinson at #8. For Chicago, the decision is as straightforward as it gets.
9. CHICAGO: Paris Johnson Jr., tackle, Ohio State.
If you’re GM Ryan Poles, you’ve solved a few problems already with offseason acquisitions at receiver (D.J. Moore) and linebacker (T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds) and guard (Nate Davis). This is the next one—the rock at tackle Poles hopes Johnson can be. Johnson’s stock rose this offseason and he should be immediate help for a line that allowed an unacceptable 58 sacks last year.
While it doesn’t include the rampant rumors of the Bears trading down, it does follow the widespread belief they’ll prioritize protection for Justin Fields. Paris Johnson fits their profile of being big, athletic, and long. He’s reportedly a great kid with an outstanding work ethic too.
Peter King almost always has solid information.
While he’s not saying anything with 100% certainty, this revelation came from people he trusts. If that is the case, then the Bears are going with a sound decision. The only knock on Johnson throughout the pre-draft process is the fact he’s not as strong as some evaluators would like. He doesn’t have the best anchor against bull rushes and doesn’t finish with enough pop in the run game. However, many feel that is a consequence of him still being young. He is still only 21 years old.
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If his work ethic is as dedicated as many say, then he should solve that power issue after some time with NFL trainers. Presuming offensive line coach Chris Morgan can refine his technique inconsistencies, Johnson has a chance to be a Pro Bowler in the near future. He would be the first offensive tackle taken in the 1st round by the Bears since Gabe Carimi in 2011. The only lingering question is whether they keep him on the left side or shift him to the right. He has the versatility to play both. We’ll see if Peter King still has the right information in three days.
