Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. declares for draft

Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., widely considered a top 10 prospect, declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on Tuesday.

ESPN ranks Johnson the second-best OT and the ninth-best eligible player overall in next year's draft.

Johnson, at 6-feet-6 and 310 pounds, was a consensus All-American this past season as well as a first team All-Big Ten selection.

Johnson took to social media to announce his decision.

"It has always been a dream of mine since I committed to the Ohio State University to leave with both my degree and a Buckeye tree," Johnson posted to Twitter. "I am grateful for the opportunity to accomplish both in three years. After having several conversations with my coaches and family, I want to accomplish the first dream of mine since I was five years old, which is to declare for the 2023 NFL draft."