Saturday Scouting #5: Greg Johnson
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
This time last week, many people were calling Minnesota one of the Big Ten's surprise packages in 2026 after a big home win over Michigan. That has cooled significantly after a real letdown game at Purdue last Saturday. But one thing that has not cooled off is the draft stock of Minnesota’s offensive line stalwart Greg Johnson. He plays everywhere along that line and is as consistent a performer as you’ll see anywhere in college football. While the Golden Gophers don’t play this weekend, their next 3 opponents are Iowa, Indiana and UCLA, meaning they could have a big say in which Big Ten teams make it to the College Football Playoff. Check out my detailed scouting report on Johnson below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Greg Johnson
College: Minnesota
Year: Senior
Size: 6’6, 325 pounds
Position/Scheme Fit: Versatile interior lineman in a zone blocking scheme
Former 4-star OT recruit in the 2023 class out of Prior Lake, Minnesota. He chose the hometown Golden Gophers over Iowa State and Wisconsin. As a freshman, he played in 11 games, starting twice at left guard. He returned in 2024 and started all 13 games at center. He blocked for an offense that averaged 26.15 points per game and one that rushed for 115.6 yards per game and threw for 222.15 yards per game. He also protected for an offense that rushed for 18 touchdowns on the season and threw for 20.
In 2025, he started all 13 games (11 at left guard, one at left tackle and one at right tackle). He protected for an offense that rushed for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns and one that threw for 2,469 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also provided protection for quarterback Drake Lindsey, who set a program record for wins by a freshman quarterback with eight. Johnson was named All-Big Ten Honourable Mention in 2025 for his efforts. Ahead of the 2026 season, he earned a place on the Associated Press (AP) preseason All-America second team and has picked up where he left off for Minnesota, looking every bit a top NFL draft prospect so far.
Scouting Report
Strengths
Clean prospect who has started since a true freshman. Combination of versatility and maturity makes him a high-floor prospect.
Good motor and movement skills. Doesn't lose much power when moving to the 2nd and 3rd level.
Hand usage is mature. He looks poised and confident as a pass blocker (1 pressure in 2026 through 6 games).
Takes on complex blocking assignments with ease. Leader of the line, whether he’s playing the pivot or not.
Development Points
Grip strength comes and goes. Bigger DTs can outfight him in a hand battle.
Lunges in run blocking. On the ground too often on run-blocking reps as a result.
Prone to some push-pull pass rush moves. Gets knocked off his stance by craftier rushers.
Can get a little grabby once he's beaten by quickness off the snap. Has 3 penalties in 2026 already.
Conclusion
Johnson is lining up to be the best interior offensive line prospect in the 2027 class. Guard or center, it doesn't matter, as he switches positions seamlessly on the Gophers' line. He moves as well as any o-line in college football, and while his grip strength and run blocking aren't there yet, his potential is obvious on film. He will need some coaching on his balance and footwork, but the raw materials are certainly there, and Johnson will be a coach's dream because of his versatility and mature game. I would be surprised if Johnson makes it outside the top 40 picks if he declares for the 2027 draft at the end of the season.
Grade: 1st round
Possible team fits: Lions, Vikings, Packers