Roschon Johnson: Emerging as a Potential Star for the Chicago Bears
When the Bears decided to let David Montgomery walk away in free agency, a path leading directly to the Detroit Lions, it raised eyebrows in some quarters. However, as someone who's been a fan of Khalil Herbert from the start, I found this move intriguing both from a fantasy football and an NFL Draft angle.
**A New Star in the Backfield?**Herbert, who was one of the first running backs I ever analyzed, showed he was starter material. I've been cheering for him since 2021, urging for more of his influence in the Bears' offense. In his rookie season, he made his mark in Chicago, running 4.2 yards per carry, a promising number that exploded into an eye-catching 5.7 yards per carry in Year 2, along with five touchdowns.
Clearly, general manager Ryan Poles was convinced enough by Herbert to hand him the RB1 spot for 2023. Instead of renewing Montgomery's contract, the Bears brought in D'Onta Foreman for a deal closer to the minimum. With such a robust duo, why then am I talking about a fellow named Roschon Johnson?
Because Johnson is more than just "a guy" � he's "THE guy."
**A Rising Star Overshadowed in College**
At the University of Texas, Johnson often played second fiddle to teammate Bijan Robinson, as they tore apart Big 12 defenses. Johnson, acting as the counterpunch to Robinson's lightning, exhibited an impressive running style himself.
Their partnership reminds me of the mid-2000s USC dynasty, where running backs Reggie Bush and Lendale White powered a fearsome offense. Similarly, Johnson's Texas pairing with Robinson mirrors the synergy of Bush and White.
Now, comparing their NFL Draft paths, Bush was drafted No. 2 overall, and Robinson went No. 8, while their counterparts White and Johnson were picked later. Yet, White amassed the most rushing yards in any single season between him and Bush. This shows how draft capital can quickly become irrelevant once the draft is done.
So, while Robinson may outshine Bush in his career, don't count Johnson out to keep pace with Robinson, especially if he can outdo Herbert and Foreman.
**Will Johnson Take the Primary Role as a Rookie with the Bears?**
The Bears might choose to "redshirt" Johnson as a rookie, letting him learn from those ahead of him. But considering a running back's usually short career span, wasting a year doesn't make sense if he shows promise.
If Johnson isn't among the top two or three ball carriers at the end of training camp, maybe patience is warranted. However, it's tough to picture this scenario, especially after his impressive preseason debut against the Titans.
As Johnson gains experience, he's poised to become a dynamic force with Justin Fields in the backfield. Hopefully, the coaching staff won't wait until 2024 to recognize what they have in this potential star. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Roschon Johnson's time is now!
