PFF scouting report: Dorian Johnson, G, Pitt

Name: Dorian Johnson

School: Pittsburgh

Position fit: Guard

Stats to know: Johnson allowed only 15 pressures (2 sacks, 13 hurries) in the last three seasons at Pitt.

What he does best:

• Johnson is very strong blocker at the line of scrimmage which he showed in particular creating movement on the backside of inside zone in 2016 and on the playside of power and other gap scheme runs prior to Matt Canada’s arrival as offensive coordinator.
• Has the ability to play on the move not just working through to locate linebackers at the second level but also on pull blocks in power in counter schemes.
• Takes good angles to blocks on the move, both at the second level and on pulls, rarely needs to adjust his angles or accelerate to make up for starting off on the wrong path.
• His strong base is clear to see both as a run blocker but especially in pass protection where he is rarely troubled by bullrushes, shutting any movement down before the pocket gets compressed.

Biggest concern:

• Creates space on the backside of plays principally by driving defenders down the line of scrimmage, cutoffs were few and far between.
• Has a tendency to open his chest and allow defenders to control his body; this will be a much bigger issue against NFL defensive linemen.
• Throughout his career at Pitt played in gap- (2014-2015) and inside zone-heavy (2016) schemes. Across seasons he featured in different schemes but questions of he would fare in a more diverse run scheme.
• Pitt’s propensity for trick plays, run-pass options and extensive use of play action afforded some protection in his pass protection assignments as well.

Bottom line: Johnson’s college career saw him provide consistent quality displays for Pitt on inside-zone schemes and pulling in their power-blocking scheme in 2014 and 2015. Johnson wasn’t asked to execute difficult blocks but he performed at a consistently high level within the scheme he was tasked with executing. His power and ability to move defenders is clear to see on tape but he will need to prove he can execute more difficult blocks and perform in more diverse schemes in the NFL, particularly if he is to be a contributor early in his career.

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