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Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Russell Brown

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive linemen Dorian Johnson (53) Brian O'Neill (70) celebrate with fullback George Aston (35) after Aston scored a four yard touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals during the second quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive linemen Dorian Johnson (53) Brian O'Neill (70) celebrate with fullback George Aston (35) after Aston scored a four yard touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals during the second quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dorian Johnson is an incredible prospect for the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s already considered one of the top interior offensive lineman in the 2017 NFL Draft. Let’s see where he ranks!

From high school to now, Dorian Johnson has always been one of the best players on the field. Coming out of Belle Vernon Area High School, Johnson, was ranked as a 5-star recruit and was considered the 2nd best offensive tackle in the nation. He had offers from schools like Alabama, Ohio State and Notre Dame but he decided to stay close to home and enrolled at Pittsburgh.

Becoming the first true freshman to start on the offensive line at Pittsburgh since 2006, Dorian played in all 12 games. He made three total starts with two of them coming at left tackle. During his sophomore season, he started all 13 games at left guard and he’s never looked back. He’s played in 51 total career games with 42 starts over the course of his career. In fact, he’s made 40 consecutive starts, which dates back to the Little Caesars Bowl of the 2013 season.

Capping off his stellar career as a Panther, Dorian earned an All-America selection by the American  Football Coaches Association. It’s been 22 years since an offensive lineman has earned first-team All-America honors (Rueben Brown, 1994). He also earned first-team All-ACC honors.

Strengths:

  • Big bodied offensive lineman that will be a starting guard in the NFL.
  • Has played all over the OL – from RG, LT & LG.
  • Powering run blocker who excels at down blocking.
  • Reaches the 2nd level well with low pad level and locking in on his key.

Weaknesses:

  • Misses a lot of opportunities at pulling.
  • During pass protection, he’ll play high and get flat footed.
  • Hands have the tendency to lock up outside of his key. Need his hands more inside.
  • Can improve his overall pad height in run/pass blocking situations.
  • Will struggle with physical and elusive interior defensive lineman.

Overall:

When watching the film of Dorian Johnson, he’ll be easy to spot. He’s got great size at 6’5 — 315 pounds and will punish anyone in his way when he down blocks. Certainly, he could improve in open space, as I’m not sold on him as a pulling guard. He flashes great ability when he pulls but overall, he misses his key or just doesn’t seem to be fast enough getting where he needs to be.

Right now, he will benefit going to a team with a run first mentality but with time, his pass blocking should improve to the level that it needs to be. Currently, it’s manageable but he’s got the intangibles to become a premier left guard at the next level.

Realistically, Dorian Johnson reminds me of Chris Chester. They both have had their ups and downs in pass protection but have overall been great in run blocking situations. Dorian Johnson should land in the 2nd round and is currently behind Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney in my offensive guard rankings.

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