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Cleveland Browns: Can Roderick Johnson steal left tackle spot?

By Randy Gurzi

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 31: Roderick Johnson #78 of the Cleveland Browns blocks Isaiah Irving #47 of the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 31, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Browns defeated the Bears 25-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 31: Roderick Johnson #78 of the Cleveland Browns blocks Isaiah Irving #47 of the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 31, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Browns defeated the Bears 25-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Browns need someone to fill in at left tackle with Joe Thomas now retired. Could Roderick Johnson wind up being the guy for the job?

Coming out of Florida State in 2017, Roderick Johnson was seen by many as a potential starter down the road at offensive tackle. The Cleveland Browns saw something in him and wound up taking him in the fifth-round — which was later than many experts predicted him to go.

Part of the reason Johnson fell some was because he was raw. He came out early and probably could have done himself a favor by returning for another year and honing his skills.

That was at least the sentiment of on director of college scouting who spoke with NFL Draft expert Lance Zierlein ahead of last year’s draft:

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"“He should have gone back, but I think he’s interesting because I still think he is growing into his body. He will probably always have some balance issues because he’s always going to be a leaner. If he can improve his body control with that length … that could be really interesting.” — Unnamed AFC Director of College Scouting via Lance Zierlein of NFL.com"

Also mentioned in that quote was the fact that Johnson was still growing into his body. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 298-pounds, it was easy to see he had the height desired but lacked the build. Johnson also has impressive length in his arms of 36 inches and showed himself to be a plus run blocker while with the Seminoles.

There’s still a lot of upside for him to be a starter one day, and with the team not yet naming a player, there’s an outside chance he could sneak into the competition.

Johnson spent all last season injured, so he wasn’t able to get into any of the actions. Still, he’s had plenty of work with an NFL strength staff which could help him fill out his lengthy frame. He’s even worked with Joe Thomas during this offseason — although he wasn’t the only one trying to fight for a spot in that group with Thomas. 

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It’s still a long shot, but Johnson has the raw talent. If he shows some refinement, he could get his name in the hat very soon.

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