Bears HC Matt Eberflus has high expectations for rookie Roschon Johnson
The Chicago Bears lost former starting running back David Montgomery to the rival Detroit Lions during the offseason, but they've done more than a good job of restocking the position group since. Part of the job is the addition of rookie Roschon Johnson. The Bears drafted the former Texas Longhorn in the fourth round of […]
The Chicago Bears lost former starting running back David Montgomery to the rival Detroit Lions during the offseason, but they've done more than a good job of restocking the position group since.
Part of the job is the addition of rookie Roschon Johnson. The Bears drafted the former Texas Longhorn in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and he's expected to play a role in 2023, even if there is plenty of competition for the top spots.
So far, he's making not just early impressions, but good impressions. And based off what his coaches are saying, he's going to make the running back competition very, very interesting.
"[Roschon]… has done a great job of picking things up," Bears head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters Thursday. "I’m excited to see him in pads because I think he’s really going to take off once we get the pads on."
There's a lot of excitement surrounding Johnson and it doesn't come solely in the form of what he can do as a running back. The Bears see him as a potential kick returner, even if he didn't return many kicks in college.
That's key for Johnson, who is competing with Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, Trestan Ebner, and Travis Homer for snaps in the backfield. Another key factor for Johnson cracking the rotation is the fact that he's an effective receiver and he's good at pass protection.
Herbert has been inconsistent with pass pro during his time in Chicago and Foreman really isn't known for his pass-blocking prowess. That, combined with Johnson's special teams ability really does have him in line to take off, like Eberflus said.
"You see this guy play football, he is as violent as they come," special teams coordinator Richard Hightower told reporters back in May. "He can almost be a linebacker. The way he covers some kicks are outstanding. I think he can help us in that area for sure. And he's a good running back as well…
"… What he's shown me since he's arrived is basically, he validated what we already thought and already knew… he's just confirmed that was a really good selection."
Featured image via Bears YouTube
