Standing at 6'3", 316 pounds Zion Johnson is the ideal height and weight of an interior lineman. He exhibits exceptional play strength. He routinely wins the battle at the line of scrimmage, overwhelming his opponent. He possesses a solid anchor while being forceful on the attack. Zion is well versed in both gap and zone schemes, presenting a valuabl level of versatility.
Johnson is experienced and has the skill set more suited to run blocking. He uses his athleticism to be quick off the snap and fluid in getting into his pass set. His impressive hand placement referenced above is apparent in pass protection with routinely excellent placement and timing of his hands.
Areas for Improvement
Zion lacks the physical profile to play tackle at the next level. His height is considered a little on the short side by traditional requisit size standards. The main issue with Johnson as an NFL Draft prospect relate to the football intelligence element of the game. He could improve his ability to read and react to stunts and twists. He needs to be more aware of angle at the second level in terms of springing the ball carrier for additional yardage.
Zion Johnson Career at Boston College
With two years of FCS experience under his belt, Johnson opted to enter the transfer portal at the end of the 2018 season. Unlike his high school recruiting experience, the dominating offensive lineman received significant attention the FBS level, including offers from Power Five programs. When Boston College came knocking, it was too good of an opportunity to miss.
“Coming out of high school, I didn’t have any opportunities to go to a top notch program like this,” Johnson told ESPN. “When Boston College hit me up, it was a no brainer.”
Expectations of an immediate impact were tempered, with Johnson having to appeal for exemption from the NCAA’s eligibility regulations. The Eagles were prepared to wait a year before having their new guard hit the field. However, with a waiver granted, Johnson made 13 appearances with seven starts during his junior campaign.
Zion Johnson NFL Draft Player Profile
As mentioned in the introduction, Johnson’s journey to the NFL Draft hasn’t been straightforward. From Bowie, Maryland, via Davidson to his current home on Chestnut Hill, the 6’3″ offensive guard has had to overcome hurdles every step along the way. The first of those footballing obstacles came while at Riverdale Baptist High School. Despite being an accomplished athlete on the football field and the golf course, Johnson received little to no national recognition. He’d been ascending within his team, earning the Most Improved Award in his junior high school season before accepting the Coaches Award in 2016. Still, no rewards were forthcoming on the recruiting trail.
Having been unranked by the major recruiting sites, Johnson received no FBS offers. Furthermore, he only received one FCS offer from Davidson College of the Pioneer Football League. With no other option to play college football, Johnson headed to North Carolina.
