Ryan Day reveals lofty projection for Paris Johnson's NFL career

Paris Johnson is considered one of the top offensive lineman on the board ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Depending on when he hears his name called Thursday night, he might be able to check off one of his goals from when he arrived at Ohio State.

When Ryan Day was recruiting Johnson, the former Five Star Plus+ recruit listed three things he wanted to accomplish. He already accomplished one by graduating in three years. He also developed well as a Buckeye, which checked off goal No. 2.

As Johnson tries to reach goal No. 3, Day said whatever NFL team takes him will get someone who’s impressive on and off the field.

“Talk about a well-rounded young man who’s also very, very talented,” Day said on College GameDay ahead of the first round of the draft. “He sat there on my couch during the recruiting process and said exactly that, ‘I want to continue to build my foundation, I want to graduate in three years and I want to be the first tackle taken in the draft.’ And just look how quickly all those things happened.”

Ryan Day predicts Paris Johnson can succeed at left tackle ‘for the next decade’

Johnson didn’t start his college career as a tackle, though. He arrived in Columbus as a guard and moved over to left tackle this past season. That versatility is a big reason why he’s an attractive prospect for NFL teams, and Day said he’s proven he can play at a high level for the foreseeable future.

“He went from right guard to left tackle this year and made that transition,” Day said. “He’s only played one year at left tackle. Again this is another guy with a really high ceiling, very well-rounded, the way he handles his business. He’s going to go to a franchise and be somebody they can count on at left tackle for the next decade.”

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.

The 2023 NFL Draft officially gets underway Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET from Kansas City.