Ben Johnson praises Jamree Kromah after breakout Bears preseason performance

Kromah was one of Chicago's defensive standouts in the 34-10 win over Cleveland, producing the kind of disruptive performance that can change a player's standing during the preseason. He totaled two sacks and forced a fumble. He recovered it, too.

Johnson said afterward that the Bears have seen flashes from Kromah going back to the offseason program. The question was whether he'd carry them into a game.

"You see it in the springtime, the new techniques we're coaching with and he's flashing, but you wonder if this is when he turns it on," Johnson said. "In a game like this, you see the get-off, the relentlessness, and you feel his presence every snap."

Consider that question answered.

Jamree Kromah makes his presence felt against Browns

Kromah finished Saturday with two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, providing one of the Bears' biggest defensive plays of the afternoon.

But Johnson's postgame assessment was arguably even more encouraging than the box score.

This wasn't simply a reserve defensive lineman capitalizing on one broken play. Johnson specifically highlighted Kromah's get-off and relentless effort, traits that can carry over into regular-season football.

And apparently, Kromah's teammates noticed, too.

"The D-linemen were hooting and hollering for him because they see him making plays," Johnson said. "He's such a hard worker who's been in the program for a minute, so seeing him have success on the field is huge."

Kromah has been with the Bears since joining the organization as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He spent his rookie season on Chicago's practice squad before appearing in one regular-season game in 2025.

Now he's trying to prove he deserves something more.

Bears need someone like Kromah to emerge

There might not be a better position on Chicago's roster for an unexpected player to force his way into the conversation. The defensive line entered training camp as one of the Bears' biggest question marks, particularly when it comes to generating consistent pressure.

Kromah still has plenty of work ahead of him. One productive preseason game doesn't guarantee a roster spot, and he'll need to show Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen that he can contribute consistently, including on special teams if necessary.

But Saturday was exactly the type of performance a roster-bubble player needs. Kromah made plays. His teammates noticed. His head coach noticed.

And when Johnson talks about being able to "feel his presence every snap," that's a pretty strong endorsement for a defensive lineman trying to become impossible to cut.