Boston College’s Zion Johnson making most of NFL draft process
Editor’s note: The Los Angeles Chargers selected OL Zion Johnson with the No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28.
NEWTON, Mass. (BVM) – When Zion Johnson took the trip down to Mobile, Alabama to play in this year’s Senior Bowl, the Boston College lineman wanted to show that not only could his play transfer to the next level, but his demeanor could as well.
“I just want to go out and perform at my max potential and show teams what I can do,” Johnson said before the week on the Senior Bowl Show. “[I] have a good opportunity to talk to some coaches and allow them insight into my character, what my morals are, and what I believe in.”
For Johnson, the point seemed to be quickly made as scouts across the week raved about the graduate senior’s commitment to working overtime after practices concluded. Johnson’s mantra of working hard has been a stalwart throughout his time at the collegiate level after receiving just one college offer coming out of high school.
Johnson, a late-bloomer in the football world, didn’t put on the pads until his senior year at Riverdale Baptist High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The once-5-foot-9, 190-pound freshman had found his passion elsewhere, playing on the golf team from the eighth grade until his junior high school season. His lone year on the football field would draw the attention of Davidson College where the Bowie, Maryland native steadily improved in his time across the offensive line.
In his freshman year, Johnson started in eight games, showcasing his versatility across the line. His second year at Davidson would be where Johnson really turned heads, starting in all 11 games for the Wildcats as the sophomore lineman helped lead Davidson to an FCS-best 428.5 rushing yards per game.
The breakout year gave Johnson a choice of transfer options. Along with football, the standout lineman had his focus on a computer science degree and made sure that was still a possibility. The mix of football and academics pushed him to Boston College.
“Boston College for me was a no-brainer,” Johnson said. “One of the big things for me was I wanted to go to a school that still had good academics. Davidson College was known for having good academics, a good math program, computer science program and Boston College has a good computer science program.”
Boston College became a perfect fit for Johnson who would go on to mix his academics with stellar play on the field. The Eagles’ lineman started in all 13 games his junior year and would combine his busy senior season on the field with a degree off of it.
After grading out as Boston College’s top offensive lineman in 2020, Johnson would bypass the NFL draft with a goal of building on his stock this past season. The Eagles lineman would make good on that goal, earning All-ACC First Team honors after allowing just four blown blocks in 756 snaps. He would end his Boston College career allowing just one sack in 2,288 career snaps.
“I think I’ve improved a lot,” Johnson said. “I’ve had a lot of different coaches, four different coaching staffs that have all improved me in different ways as a player.”
Boston College OL Zion Johnson, the top graded guard in the draft, staying after @seniorbowl practice working on his center skills. This is what NFL scouts are looking for.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ #BestoftheBest pic.twitter.com/d5j1YiH3in
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 2, 2022
Following his big week at the Senior Bowl, the now-6-foot-3, 316-pound draft prospect finds his name atop many draft pundits’ big boards. For those around him, the recognition comes as no surprise.
“This does not surprise me at all!” Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley shared on social media. “Congrats to Zion. Huge career ahead! Senior Bowl Practice Player of the Week!”
Johnson will get his next opportunity in front of scouts at the upcoming NFL Combine where he will likely be one of the draft’s most watched linemen.
Editors note: Zion Johnson was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the No. 17 selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
