Could Bears Draft Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. For Justin Fields?

Paris Johnson Jr. could become the top target for the Chicago Bears at pick No. 9 following a trade with the Carolina Panthers.

A reunion in the Windy City? Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. would welcome the idea. 

Now, he might get his wish after all. 

The Chicago Bears made headlines Friday evening when they traded the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick (No. 9), a 2023 second-round pick (No. 61), a 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick and receiver DJ Moore. Carolina will now have its pick at quarterback under new head coach Frank Reich to kickstart a new regime in the Queen City. 

As for the Bears? They now have options to fix their trenches on both sides of the ball. And Johnson might very well be at the top of the list. 

Johnson, a one-year starter at left tackle, thrived on the blindside protecting C.J. Stroud in 2022. According to Pro Football Focus., the junior allowed a mere two sacks and 12 pressures in 13 games. He also excelled in run blocking, helping the Buckeyes average 5.37 yards per carry and 192.4 yards per game. 

Chicago's offensive line is in need of a massive upgrade after a woeful 2022 campaign. Last season, the Bears' front five allowed a whopping 54 sacks, fourth-most in the NFL. Braxton Jones, the fourth-round pick from Southern Utah, impressed at left tackle, and Tevin Jenkins came on strong toward the season's end at right guard. 

Still, to win in today's league, quarterbacks need protection. Chicago failed to provide former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields anything close to that en route to a 3-13 record. 

Therein lies the "reunion" factor for Johnson. He and Fields crossed paths in Columbus during the 2020 season when Johnson was a freshman and Fields was a junior. And while Johnson was relegated to the second-team offense, he still built a rapport with Fields both on and off the field. 

"I used to beat him in Madden all the time," Johnson said last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "He knows, you can tell him. But that's my guy. He’s an amazing quarterback. He's smart. He's accurate. And it would be an honor to be back with him again.”

Even with the Bears taking on Moore's $19.965 million base salary in 2023, they still have roughly $75 million in cap space. Fixing the offensive line will remain a priority, so despite an infatuation with Johnson's productive numbers at both Ohio State and the combine, Chicago still could target several high-profile offensive tackles in free agency. 

This shouldn't take Johnson off the Bears' big board should they remain pat at No. 9. Prior to making the shift outside, Johnson started the entire 2021 season at right guard. His numbers were even better, as he didn't allow a sack and only was credited for allowing 13 pressures. 

Could a shift inside be plausible? For now, maybe. Johnson could battle with Jones for the starting left tackle role, with the loser being asked to shift to left guard. According to reports, Johnson is slated to meet with the Bears as one of their top-30 prospect visits prior to the draft. 

If Fields has any say on what Chicago does when on the clock, he might be able to convince general manager Ryan Poles that Johnson's versatility could provide value for the organization's long-term goals. Johnson said that while at Ohio State, Fields took him under his wing as he adjusted from life in Cincinnati to life in Columbus. 

"It's always cool when you're young lineman and the starting quarterback, he's just a humble guy," Johnson said of his relationship with Fields. 

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