Zion Johnson & Alec Lindstrom, Boston College
Measurables: 6-3, 315lbs (Johnson)
Measurables: 6-3, 300lbs (Lindstrom)
A nice combo from Boston College here as Zion Johnson (Guard) and Alec Lindstrom (Center) could be intriguing prospects for the Bills.
Johnson made himself a bunch of money at the Senior Bowl, easily being the best performing lineman in attendance. Johnson’s best trait is his excellent run blocking, where he often uses his athleticism as a pulling guard. Johnson is a little less refined as a pass blocker, really only showing consistent pass protecting this season. Still, several promising traits such as strength, balance, and hand placement translate well to the next level. Johnson’s power is impressive as he was rarely overpowered and has fantastic balance while in pass protection.
Lindstrom is the brother of Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom and one of the better center prospects in this year’s draft. Lindstrom is an interesting prospect because he does not show some of the elite traits some teams look for in offensive lineman. Lindstrom has an extremely high football IQ being a three-year starter for one of the best offensive lines in all of college football.
In addition to that, Lindstrom has excellent movement and has had great success pulling from the center position. Where Lindstrom lacks is in the strength and power to move guys. While he has a nasty finishing side to him, it is not always on display because he struggles to overpower defensive linemen.
While coming from the same team, these guys have slightly different outlooks for the NFL Combine and potentially on the Buffalo Bills.
Johnson is looking to prove that his Senior Bowl performance was not a fluke and that he can step in on day one and be a starter in the NFL. This is how he likely would project on the Bills. Johnson could come in on probably win a starting job right from the start over some of the guys Buffalo currently has on the roster and man the guard position for at least the next four years.
Lindstrom is looking to raise his stock in the combine. Teams will likely want Lindstrom to test well on the bench press to prove some strength that is lacking on film while finishing as one of the top centers athletically. The Buffalo Bills already have Mitch Morse at center, so this pick may be the least likely of any lineman listed here.
Regardless, this pick would make sense as Lindstrom could be a backup and takeover for Mitch Morse when his contract runs up. While Lindstrom may not be ready to start day one, his high football IQ would make him at least a serviceable backup with the potential to start in his first season.