Zion Johnson Ranks Among NFL's Top Guards In PFF Grades
Zion Johnson Ranks Among NFLs Top Guards In PFF Grades...
Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson has emerged as one of the league's top offensive linemen, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades released this week. The 2022 first-round pick earned an 87.4 overall grade for the 2025 season, ranking him third among all NFL guards behind only Quenton Nelson and Chris Lindstrom.
Johnson's standout performance comes after a breakout year where he allowed just one sack and 12 pressures in 17 games. His dominance in both pass protection and run blocking has made him a cornerstone of the Chargers' revamped offensive line. PFF analysts highlighted his consistency, noting he graded above 80.0 in 14 of 17 games.
The topic is trending today as PFF's annual offensive line rankings gained traction among NFL fans and analysts. Johnson's rise is particularly notable given his early career struggles, including a 56.7 grade as a rookie. His improvement has sparked discussions about his potential to become the Chargers' first All-Pro guard since Kris Dielman in 2009.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert praised Johnson this week, calling him "the backbone of our protection." The team's offensive line, which ranked 22nd in 2023, jumped to 8th in 2025 with Johnson as a key contributor. His development aligns with the Chargers' push for playoff contention under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Johnson's PFF grade also carries financial implications. He becomes eligible for a contract extension after the 2026 season, and elite guard contracts now exceed $20 million annually. If he maintains this level of play, the Chargers may face a major decision on his future.
Fans on social media have debated whether Johnson deserves Pro Bowl recognition after being snubbed in 2025. His PFF ranking adds weight to the argument that he’s among the NFL’s most underrated players. The Chargers open their 2026 season on September 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders, where Johnson will face a tough test against All-Pro defensive tackle Maxx Crosby.
