Browns Prospect Profile: Roderick Johnson
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Pick: Round 5, Pick 160
Position: Offensive Tackle
School: Florida State
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 311 lbs.
After enduring a season filled with offensive line troubles, the Browns turned to the fifth round of the draft to add some depth to a new-look front five.
A simple look at his information should give you a good hint what Johnson’s best traits are. Standing at a staggering 6’7” with a 300-pound stature, the former Florida State Seminole has some of the best size in this year’s draft class. Not only does Johnson stand tall but he spans wide as well, boasting an arm length measurement of 36 inches.
“With exceptionally long arms, broad shoulders and good overall weight distribution, Johnson possesses the length and width NFL scouts look for at the position,” wrote Rob Rang, NFL draft analyst for CBS Sports.
While pure size might be the most notable thing about Johnson at this point in his career, scouts tend to agree that the 21-year-old shows impressive quickness as well.
“He shows good initial quickness off the snap, sliding well to his left with short, choppy steps and using his long arms to latch onto pass rushers,” continues Rang.
Johnson’s height and weight especially come in handy in run blocking, where he excels.
“Johnson’s work in the run game makes him a particularly exciting prospect,” writes John Breitenbach of Pro Football Focus. “As well as size, his movement skills are particularly impressive. Johnson has no issue blocking on the move, especially at the second level.”
The questions marks arise with his lack of technical refinement. Normally, a guy with Johnson’s size and collegiate experience would be picked much higher, but considering his shakiness in pass blocking, the Browns were able to snag a big body in a later round.
“Although he was generally effective on dropbacks – he allowed only 17 combined pressures in 2015 – Johnson suffered some bad beats,” said Breitenbach. “There are a number of really ugly reps on tape from the Seminoles’ left tackle.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein notes that Johnson sometimes lacks the ability to keep his large frame in control, saying that he “plays with an alarming lack of body control and balance.”
These technical issues will likely keep Johnson out of the starting lineup for at least his rookie season. Despite this, the Florissant, Missouri native will have the best possible role model to look up to in future Hall of Fame member Joe Thomas. The two are similar in size and position, which should give the 10-year veteran a good platform to mentor.
Photo: ESPN
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