Packers: 5 first-round draft targets to build around Jordan Love

2. Paris Johnson Jr., T, Ohio State

If the Packers aim to leave the first round with their future starting left tackle, the best-case scenario would be drafting Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr.

With time to develop, Johnson can be a star. And he would get to learn from one of the best in the game in five-time All-Pro David Bakhtiari.

“Johnson is an exceptional athlete with the size, strength and power to maul defenders in the run game and pass protection,” wrote Bucky Brooks of NFL.com. Johnson is Brooks’ top-ranked tackle in this year’s class.

Johnson could be the first tackle off the board and may go inside the top 10, so it’s far from guaranteed that he will still be available when the Packers hit the clock.

But if he is still there, the Packers could find their long-term replacement for Bakhtiari.

Johnson would provide immediate competition for the right tackle spot, and he would likely win the job early on. In time, he could make the transition to left tackle.

Tackle is a premium position and it’s hard to find them. While it might not be a desperate need for the Packers, it’s never a bad idea to use a top pick at the position, especially when a player like Paris Johnson Jr. is available.

As the Packers build for the future with Jordan Love, Johnson could be a home-run pick in the first round.