Packers land top offensive tackle in NFL.com mock draft

Beginning the Jordan Love era by drafting a tackle in the first round would be a smart move by the Green Bay Packers.

And if that tackle is Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr., even better.

Johnson is arguably the best left tackle in this year’s draft class, and he would be a great first-round choice for the Packers.

Daniel Jeremiah has released his latest mock draft for NFL.com, and he has Johnson going to the Packers at No. 15 overall.

“The Packers are set to begin the Jordan Love era this fall, and Johnson will start immediately at right tackle while providing insurance at left tackle,” Jeremiah wrote.

And he’s absolutely right.

Johnson would be Green Bay’s Day 1 starter at right tackle. Long term, he could replace David Bakhtiari on the left side.

This would be a home-run pick for Green Bay.

Finding starting tackles isn’t easy, which is why it’s important to always add more depth even if it’s not your biggest offseason need.

Bakhtiari is still an excellent left tackle, but he is 31 and hasn’t completed a full season since 2019. Bakhtiari has already had a Hall-of-Fame career and it’s far from over, but the Packers do need to consider their long-term future.

Bakhtiari and Johnson would give Green Bay an outstanding starting tackle duo.

The team would have Yosh Nijman as their top backup, and Zach Tom has also shown he can play there.

But by drafting Johnson, the Packers could move Tom inside to either center or guard.

Johnson, too, can play guard.

Green Bay will have plenty of opportunities to address needs at tight end, defensive tackle, wide receiver, and edge rusher in the draft.

But if they leave the first round with Paris Johnson, and they don’t need to trade up to get him, they should be absolutely delighted.