The 2022 NFL Draft takes place April 28-30 this year, emanating LIVE from Las Vegas, Nevada. As it stands, the Tennessee Titans have one first round draft pick. General manager Jon Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel currently hold the 26th overall selection. Over the next few months, your boy “Big Natural” Stoney Keeley will be taking a look at some of the prospects who are either rumored to be tied to or who make sense for the Titans. Today, we’re lookin’ at Boston College offensive lineman Zion Johnson.
I know this might not be a popular take, but I think the Titans are in an advantageous position heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. They’re going to be able to go ‘best player available’ as opposed to reaching for talent to fill a need. That doesn’t mean that they don’t have areas of concern to address. I just don’t think they’re so hamstrung anywhere across the roster that they’ll be tied to a particular position. But, with the recent release of Rodger Saffold, there is a need to add some competition along the interior offensive line. Whether or not you believe Aaron Brewer, Dillon Radunz, and/or Corey Levin can be the guy, it never hurts to infuse some talent into a position group. That’s why, while I still think I’d add a wide receiver at #26, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see this team address the guard position. That’s where Zion Johnson comes into play.
Johnson’s draft stock has been a bit of a rollercoaster since a standout performance in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Some have said he’s a top 10 talent and should be a top 10 pick. Others have mocked him to the Titans at #26. Realistically speaking, I’d put him in the teens somewhere. So, I don’t think he’ll be available for the Titans, but let’s at least entertain the idea. Johnson has an extensive history of all-conference honors. Dating back to his 2018 season at Davidson (before he transferred to Boston College), Johnson was named First-team All-PFL. He followed that up with Second-team All-ACC honors in 2019, Third-team All-ACC honors in 2020, and First-team All-ACC honors in 2021, with a 2021 First-team All-American nod to boot.
This is just my dumb brain speaking, but I’m not necessarily as high on Johnson as a lot of scouts are. Sure, he looks like a starting left guard with his mechanics and consistency, and the Titans just so happen to be in need of a starting left guard. But, I watched him in Mobile and came away thinking I’d like to see him dominate in 1:1 situations a little more before considering him an elite prospect. I think those that are citing concerns about how he will stack up against elite NFL athletes are right to do so.
But, Johnson is excellent in terms of body control and lateral movement. That makes him the perfect fit for a zone running scheme. He plays with a wide base and plenty of power to hold up in pass protection. To me, his defining traits are the savvy he plays with, his understanding of leverage, and his ability to play with polished technique. He’s surely a safe guard prospect in the right system, but I don’t know that he’s athletic enough to overcome being miscast in the wrong offense.
What’s funny is The Draft Network’s prospect comparison is Rodger Saffold. So, we shouldn’t be surprised if the Titans elect to replace Saffold with another Saffold, right?! I would say Johnson’s best ball is played inside at left guard. Though he has experience at left tackle, the Titans would be best served just plopping him down right next to Taylor Lewan. I certainly wouldn’t hate the pick, but I think there’s good IOL value later in this year’s draft. Not to mention, my bet is that someone is going to fall in love with Johnson’s high floor, and draft him in the teens. I don’t think he’ll even be there for the Titans.
Further Reading: Zion Johnson listed as a ‘dream draft target’ for Titans
2022 TITANS FIRST ROUND OPTIONS
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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