The Chicago Bears selected Texas running back Roschon Johnson with the 115th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Johnson had the misfortune of playing behind the best running back in the country in Bijan Robinson. But when Johnson was on the field, he proved to be productive,
With the loss of David Montgomery, who signed with the Detroit Lions, Johnson makes up for what Chicago lost as a runner, pass catcher, pass blocker and leader.
Last season with the Longhorns, Johnson had 93 carries for 554 yards, 6.0 yards per carry and five touchdowns as RB2. He added 14 catches for 128 yards and one touchdown.
Johnson is a physical three-down back with great vision. But he’s also lauded for his ability on special teams, where he thrives both in coverage, leading Texas in special teams tackles in 2022, and returning kickoffs.
Hooked ’em from Texas 🤘
Welcome to the Windy City, @roschon! pic.twitter.com/j1OLj26m6P
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 29, 2023
Here’s what NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Johnson:
Power back with bruising frame who fits the football cliche of “tough, smart and dependable.” Johnson isn’t overly creative and lacks the juice to hit quick-closing NFL holes. He needs it blocked up so he can get downhill and uncork his power on the second level. While his lack of suddenness makes him somewhat limited as a runner, he will be better at stuffing blitzers than many of the No. 3 backs currently in the league. Johnson might be fighting off competition every year in camp, but his toughness and four-phase special teams value could give him an advantage.
Johnson joins a Chicago backfield that also consists of Khalil Herbert and free-agent additions D’Onta Foreman and Travis Homer.
