Chicago Bears fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson is one of the highest-profile rookies from the team's 2023 NFL Draft class. It's usually the case whenever a club drafts a running back. But there's real buzz around Johnson and the role he could find himself in this season.
The top of the Bears' running back depth chart is unclear. Khalil Herbert has the inside track at the lead role because of his success in a complementary role last season. Free-agent signing D'Onta Foreman's natural ability as a banger with home-run upside should result in his fair share of carries. Then there's Johnson, the unknown rookie still new to playing running back.
The former high school quarterback served as Bijan Robinson's backup the last two seasons but proved when given a chance to carry the ball that he's an NFL back. And while he may not be as pure of a runner as Herbert and Foreman, he offers unique traits that could push him to the front of the running back line. He's a violent player who likes punishing defenders.
But what Johnson does off the field could result in the team trusting him more than any running back on the roster. He made a good first impression at the Chicago Bears rookie minicamp this weekend, especially with special teams coach Richard Hightower.
Check this out:
.@roschon is a leader on & off the field pic.twitter.com/KYqa4eciRv
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 6, 2023
Roschon Johnson could develop into Chicago Bears' lead back
Sure, throwing away trash left behind by your teammates may not seem critical in earning Sunday reps. But it proves he's a leader. He'll make sure his teammates are held accountable and that standards are met. That does matter.
If we're being realistic, it'll be difficult for Johnson to supplant both Herbert and Foreman as a rookie. Instead, his best chance at becoming the Chicago Bears' lead back could come in 2024 when Foreman likely leaves in free agency. He'll have a season to adapt to the NFL game. He'll grow as a running back with pro coaching and prove to Coach Matt Eberflus and his staff that he is an RB1.
Until then, Roschon Johnson will make his living on special teams. Hightower praised his ability to cover and return kicks. There's no doubt he'll get cut his teeth in the game's third phase. But even Hightower admitted there's a chance he could lose Johnson to lead-back duties.
General manager Ryan Poles has done a remarkable job upgrading the talent on the Chicago Bears roster. He's created competition at several critical positions, with running back being one of them. Roschon Johnson will be a big part of that competition, and he's already excelling early in his Bears career.