'Just Not Normal': Meet Ohio State OL Paris Johnson, Falcons Draft Prospect

Ohio State's Paris Johnson is one of the highest-rated offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft - could he be selected by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall?

It's not often that players depart press conferences with reporters feeling as if they said too much - but Ohio State offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. accomplished that feat at the NFL Combine.

A journalism major with an eye towards media in his post-playing days, Johnson's comfortable in the spotlight and delivers answers as in-depth as even the most intricate blocking schemes.

And really, that's only one reason as to why Johnson is simply "not normal," to quote teammate Luke Wypler ... and could be on the Atlanta Falcons' radar ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

In high school, Johnson was a two-time All-American who won his team's offensive player of the year award as a senior ... while being a member of both the National Honor Society and Chinese International Honor Society.

A consensus five-star recruit and Cincinnati native, Johnson signed with the home-state Buckeyes over Michigan State and others, including Alabama and Georgia.

The 6-6, 313-pound Johnson cracked the rotation at Ohio State as a true freshman, making five appearances - as a guard. 

Johnson ascended into the starting role at right guard in 2021, playing in all 13 games en route to second-team All-Big Ten honors.

But Johnson was equally as impressive off the field, as he was twice named an Ohio State scholar-athlete, awarded only to those who hold a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher across the entire academic year.

There's also the fact that Johnson runs his own foundation - and has dating back to high school. Per his website, Johnson has served five charities, hosted nine different events and helped raise $15,000 for veterans and student athletes.

All this ... while being one of the best players in college football.

The 21-year-old Johnson kicked out to left tackle and allowed only sacks, earning first team All-Big Ten and consensus All-American honors, firmly establishing himself as a likely top-15 pick.

But - why? Because he's simply different, per Wypler, a potential top-50 selection in his own right.

"Paris is an elite athlete," Wypler said. "For his size, the way he's able to move - sometimes in the season, you'll be watching film and it's like his legs are on the ground, he's bent over backwards and is able to recover and finish a block.

"That's just not normal."

From his detailed answers to well-written articles, his involvement in multiple high school Honor Societies to starting a foundation, and the many, many redeeming qualities he has a football player, Johnson has pieced together an incredibly impressive portfolio.

Also of note, Johnson earned the respect of his peers - including Michigan's Mike Morris, who won Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and faced Johnson each of the past two seasons.

"I feel like he's a really good player," Morris told SI's Falcon Report. "Nothing bad to say about him. I'm excited to go against him in the NFL - I want the rematch."

And Morris very well could get a chance for exactly that - but where will Johnson be? Could he find himself in Atlanta?

Johnson recently listed the Falcons as one of his three preferred destinations, and NFL Network reported Atlanta's done its due diligence on the Princeton High School graduate.

With proven tape inside, Johnson could slide into the Falcons' vacant starting left guard spot from Day 1 while offering the added value of being able to play tackle in the long run.

Versatile, athletic, smart and high character, Johnson has the traits both on and off the field to positively impact a team - and community - from the moment he's drafted.

The only question that now remains is whether he'll be in Atlanta ... and if he can bring his non-normal attributes to an ascending Falcons roster in need of one more piece up front.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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