Meet New York Jets’ OL Wesley Johnson

Aug 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Wesley Johnson (67) blocks Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Panthers won the game, 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

With Brian Winters to season ending injured reserve, the Jets signed a lineman to replace him on the active roster. This is whom we are going to take a closer look at tonight. His name is Wesley Johnson.

MEASURABLES

At the NFL Combine, Wesley Johnson measured at 6’5″ and weighed in at 297 pounds. He ran the forty yard dash in a quick for a lineman time of 5.11 seconds. Johnson broad jumped 111 feet and ran the 3 cone drill in 7.4 seconds, both tops at the Combine.

He played center, left guard, and left tackle at Vanderbilt, playing the most games at left tackle. Johnson was chosen in the fifth round of this year’s NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was released on October 11th. Here are his listed strengths and weaknesses from his draft profile:

STRENGTHS Quick out of his stance. Natural bender with athletic, coordinated movement. Light on his feet and can work his hips. Keeps his hands inside and can pop and recoil. Shuffles, slides and mirrors. Gets to the second level with ease and can wheel around the edge as a puller. Durable, versatile 51-game starter — has experience playing all across the line. Highly respected, passionate, no-nonsense vocal leader.

WEAKNESSES Average length. Is not built for power. Needs to bulk up and get functionally stronger. Light anchor — stressed by power rushers. Does not jolt defenders with his hands. Average explosion/pop on contact. Inconsistent connecting with moving targets and fitting on linebackers. Has had difficulty filling out his frame and maintaining weight.

Let’s take a look at some tape on Wesley Johnson so we can see what we think:

Wesley Johnson must get bigger if he is going to play at this level. The height is good, but under 300 pounds is not going to cut it in any way. The tape shows to me a far better run blocker than a pass blocker. Johnson can get a guy going the wrong way when making a hole for a run. He can get the feet moving and drive his opponent out of the way.