One Possible Jets' Target on NFL Draft Player Guest List

Ohio State tackle is lone offensive lineman slated to take the stage in Kansas City

Whether or not Paris Johnson Jr. becomes the first offensive lineman selected in the 2023 NFL Draft remains to be seen, but the Ohio State bookend will be in the building to hear his name when it's called.

The 6-foot-6 Johnson, who has been linked to the New York Jets in a multitude of mock drafts, has received an invitation to attend the Draft site in Kansas City on Thursday, April 27. One of 17 prospects on the in-person guest list, the two-year Ohio State starter is carrying the banner for all offensive linemen.

No interior offensive line prospects are scheduled to attend and Johnson is the lone tackle amongst the group of invitees.

Johnson will be present in the green room along with two of his Ohio State teammates. Quarterback CJ Stroud and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba also made the cut.

C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young among 17 prospects who will attend 2023 NFL Draft on April 27https://t.co/FicC1qnPr4 pic.twitter.com/7YPqxEgRuv

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 14, 2023

In addition to Ohio State, Alabama will send three representatives - Bryce Young (QB), Will Anderson (EDGE), Brian Branch (S) - to the NFL Draft site. No other college program has more than one invited prospect.

The NFL unveiled the 17-player list on April 13.

Johnson, a 2022 All-Big Ten Conference First Team honoree, has landed with the Jets in two recent, reputable mock drafts.

NFL Draft Bible founder Ric Serritella has the Ohio State left tackle sliding into Gang Green's hands at No. 13 overall. Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated's 2023 Mock Draft 7.0 projected a trade up to the No. 8 spot for the Jets, who subsequently selected the powerful bookend.

The 21-year old Johnson lived up to his five-star high school rating while competing for the Buckeyes. After playing the entire 2021 campaign as Ohio State's starting right guard, the 6-foot-6 road grader made a seamless transition to left tackle in 2022.

Ohio State QB CJ Stroud (7) and LT Paris Johnson Jr. (77) :: Adam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch

Johnson recorded eye-popping measurements at the 2023 NFL Combine with 36-inch arms and an 85-inch wingspan. In addition to featuring great length, Johnson has shown superb lateral agility against Power 5-caliber competition on film.

Northwestern's Peter Skoronski and Georgia's Broderick Jones are two other names for Jets' fans to track. Both highly-touted tackles could also be available when Gang Green hits the clock in Round 1.

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