Colorado’s Larry Johnson III Emerging as Buffaloes’ Next NFL Offensive Line Prospect
The Colorado Buffaloes are counting on senior offensive tackle Larry Johnson III to become a cornerstone of their offensive line in 2026 while positioning himself as a legitimate NFL Draft candidate.
A former Tennessee transfer, Johnson possesses the size and physical tools NFL scouts covet, but his path to the professional ranks will depend on proving he can stay healthy and handle a larger workload throughout an entire season. Expected to protect the blind side at left tackle, Johnson faces the challenge of maintaining consistency while taking on the most significant role of his collegiate career.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Johnson is durability. Throughout his college career, he has yet to complete a full regular season, with injuries limiting his availability at both Tennessee and Colorado. After missing the final three games of the 2025 campaign, scouts will be closely monitoring whether the 6-foot-7, 350-pound lineman can remain healthy for a full 12-game schedule.
A productive and injury-free season would significantly boost his NFL outlook, demonstrating both endurance and reliability—two qualities highly valued at the next level.
Johnson could also benefit from Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s fast-paced “Go-Go” offense. The system emphasizes tempo and conditioning, helping offensive linemen improve their mobility and overall fitness. If Johnson thrives within that framework and continues refining his game, he could enter the 2027 NFL Draft conversation as one of Colorado’s top professional prospects.
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