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NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger praises former Ohio State OT Paris Johnson for his dominance

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•06/28/23
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(Wade/Icon Sportswire)

Former Ohio State star Paris Johnson, Jr. was one of the most dominant forces in college football the past few years. The former Buckeye was so dominant that the Arizona Cardinals decided to trade up to No. 6 overall and snatch him in the 2023 NFL Draft. He repeatedly drove opposing defensive linemen into the turf on a regular basis. Recently, he got the chance to spend some time with NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger. On Wednesday night, Baldinger simply couldn’t praise Johnson enough during his interview with him on the NFL Network show, “NFL Total Access.”

He got Johnson to break down a couple of his most impressive pancake blocks the past few years.

“Pancake Paris” seems like a fitting nickname. It’s going to be exciting to watch his career play out in the future in the National Football League.

On draft night, he couldn’t contain his excitement about getting to work for the Arizona Cardinals.

The former Buckeye excited to suit up for Arizona

“Man, I’m just here to work, you know. I really don’t have the words. I’m here to work, I’m here to compete. That’s what all the fans can expect. That’s the mentality I’m coming in [with]. Just to work. To finish what I start,” Johnson said on the night of the 2023 NFL Draft.

“It’s so awesome. I was praying about it this morning. My dad played for the Cardinals. He was a pick about 22 or 23 years ago in the fifth round. And I told my mom I wanted to be bigger and better,” the former Ohio State star said a few months ago.

Once he got the call from the Cardinals, the former Buckeye star couldn’t believe it. “So, we get a call from the Cardinals, man and I felt chills down my body. I’m gonna finish what my dad, what he couldn’t start. And I want to do it with the Cardinals. I promise I’ll give you my all. I promise you,” Johnson said on stage in Kansas City.

He started his career at Ohio State as a guard, but moved to tackle in 2022, meaning he can play multiple positions on the line. That helped him standout in the pre-draft process after wrapping up his time with the Buckeyes.

Johnson started every game at guard for Ohio State in 2021 before again starting in 2022. He didn’t allow a sack at guard and went the first 11 games without allowing one after moving to left tackle, showing his ability to protect the quarterback. He was a consensus All-American selection and a first team All-Big Ten selection in 2022, helping the Buckeyes allow just 12.0 sacks per game — a mark that ranked tied for seventh in the nation.

Johnson played high school football at Princeton (Ohio) High School, where he was a Five Star Plus+ prospect, meaning he was one of the only players ranked by all four major recruiting media companies as a five star. He was the No. 10 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Paris Johnson Jr.

Johnson has appeared in multiple mock drafts in the lead-up to the draft thanks to his impressive numbers in Columbus and the ability to succeed at multiple positions on the offensive line. However, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said he still needs to do some work to do to become a consistent starter in the league.

That said, Johnson still has plenty of upside as he transitions to the pros.

“Long, athletic tackle in need of additional technique work but possessing the traits to become a long-time starter on the left side,” Zierlein wrote. “Johnson is still filling out his frame and he should get stronger. He’s much better as a move blocker than man blocker but he can bridge that gap with more coaching. He’s loose and quick in pass protection but will need to add core strength and get better with inside hands to prevent edge defenders from bypassing his anchor. Johnson’s athletic tools and position versatility are advantageous but the going could be a little bumpy early on before he settles in.”

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.