OG Zion Johnson, Boston College:
While I believe there is a decent chance that Zion Johnson is drafted in the first round, for the sake of positivity lets just say he is available when the NY Giants make their selection in the second round. If that is the case, he is a must draft player at that spot.
Zion Johnson is a player I have constantly praised over the course of my draft work, and for good reason. Coming in at 6’2, 312 pounds, Zion Johnson put on a clinic this season at Boston college, only allowing 1 sack, 2 QB hits, and 3 QB hurries. Alongside this, Zion Johnson gained a pass blocking grade of 81.6 and a run blocking grade of 84.4 per, PFF.
Whether it be his elite run blocking at the first and second level, his tremendous hand technique/footwork, or his great ability as a pass blocker, there are very few things to dislike about Zion Johnson. Which is why I am unsure as to if he will slip past the first round or not.
Unlike some of the prospects I previously listed, Zion Johnson does not have many glaring issues, with his biggest problem being that he occasionally loses balance late in the rep in run-blocking snaps. This does not concern me too much, however, as when you look at the immense amount of positives Johnson brings to the table, this one issue seems minuscule.
Whether the NY Giants trade back later in the first round or Johnson falls to the second, I believe it would be in Joe Schoen’s best interests to draft Zion Johnson, as not only will he provide instant impact, he also has the potential to be a star in this league.