Lane Johnson

Johnson was a high school quarterback - albeit a big one - who began the 2010 season at Oklahoma as a tight end before switching to defensive end midway through the season. He then transitioned to the offensive line and started 12 of 13 games at right tackle in 2011. Johnson continued to improve, and closed his career as a second-team All-Big 12 selection by the league's coaches. Although the offensive line was the perceived weakness of the Sooner offense, Johnson was possibly the most improved player on the Oklahoma roster in 2012. A former quarterback, tight end and defensive end, he started at right tackle as a junior but moved to the left side in 2012, winning the starting job right before the season opener. Johnson is still a work-in-progress, but he has all the physical tools to continue to develop into a solid starter at the next level. He isn't far behind Eric Fisher among senior offensive tackles, and enjoyed a strong week at the Senior Bowl. He can line up on either side of the line, and his combination of length (35-inch arms), hand strength and movement skills should guarantee him a spot in the top 20 picks, possibly in the top 15.

strengths

Johnson looks the part with a large frame and long arms (35"). He has quick feet to mirror and has an effortless kick-slide. Explosive off the snap and sets up quickly, using his extremely wide base to cover a large area. He digs his cleats in the turf and lowers his butt in pass protection with the strong upper body to control defenders.

joe staley, ot, san francisco 49ers - johnson is taller and longer than staley, but they have similar athletic backgrounds and the mobility that makes them impressive in pass protection and blocking on the move.

-- Dane Brugler

johnson does a nice job using his length to keep rushers at bay and uses his physical limbs to eliminate defenders with his nasty attitude. he has large, powerful hands and usually keeps his hands inside. natural bender with flexible joints, contorting his frame and selling out for blocks. he locks out and seals defenders on the edge, doing a nice job engaging in space to create run lanes.

Has the competitive drive that scouts want for the position and the upside to continue to develop at the position

weaknesses

Room to pack on some more muscle to his frame and strengthen his anchor. He will play undisciplined at times and overextend himself in space, caught hunched at the wait too often. Gets in trouble when he stops his feet and his technique needs refinement. He needs to keep his feet underneath him to better sustain and not fall off blocks.

johnson needs to keep his eyes elevated in the run game and improve his blocking angles. he plays a tad mechanical and his hand placement can get sloppy at times. he has only played on the offensive line for two seasons and is still rough around the edges at times.

COMPARES TO

Played quarterback and was an honorable mention all-state selection at the position

named all-district

also competed in track, finishing fourth in the shot put at the 2008 Texas State Championships.

Rotated between offensive tackle and defensive end during the spring of 2011

has added over 35 pounds since arriving at OU

human relations major.