The Chicago Bears took their first skill position player of the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting Texas running back Roschon Johnson with the No. 115 pick. The Bears originally held the No. 103 pick of the draft to open up the fourth round, but general manager Ryan Poles traded down with the New Orleans Saints and picked up an additional fifth-round selection in the process.
Johnson was overshadowed by star running back Bijan Robinson at Texas, who was selected No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons but he’s an excellent player in his own right. He totaled 554 yards on just 93 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt with five touchdowns on the ground. Johnson also added 128 receiving yards with a touchdown in 12 games for the Longhorns. His addition creates more competition for veterans Khalil Herbert, D’Onta Foreman, Travis Homer, and Trestan Ebner and he could be seeing carries sooner rather than later.
Fans appear to be over the moon with the pick, though. Here is how Twitter reacted when Johnson was selected.
Roschon Johnson is a bad, bad man.
— Ryan Heckman (@TheRyanHeckman) April 29, 2023
MY GUY ROSCHONNNNNN
COME JOIN. USLIVE! LETS DO THIS GUYS!https://t.co/usaQ6x6u0Ihttps://t.co/hE2ChyfqFB
— The Irish Bears Show (@IrishBearsShow) April 29, 2023
Johnson just barely missed the cut on the @CHGO_Bears 100. 115 is pretty much exactly where I think he should've gone. This is a valuable do-everything type of pick. Good fit. #BearsSpecialTeams https://t.co/Uu351cX1jG
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) April 29, 2023
New Bears RB Roschon Johnson earned a 90.0 rushing grade on zone runs
0.35 missed tackles forced per attempt in 2022 was the No. 1 mark in the FBS
89th percentile 10-yard split on his 40
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) April 29, 2023
Roschon Johnson gives us David Montgomery vibes. pic.twitter.com/GiJDHfQsiH
— BFR (@bfrmedia) April 29, 2023
Glad they pulled the trigger on him. Was the 4th RB I wanted in this draft.
1. Bijan Robinson
2. Jamyr Gibbs
3. Zach Charbonnett
4. Roshon Johnson https://t.co/8CQ4bPeTyC— Danikin (@Danikin_DG3) April 29, 2023
#DaBears https://t.co/UF3os2YxNd pic.twitter.com/0dh91pUQTx
— Just🥶Acy🥶Dawg™️ (@Just_Acy) April 29, 2023
Ryan Poles just got a DUDE pic.twitter.com/5No9BjhKJE
— Nico (@elitetakes_) April 29, 2023
I ADORE THIS PICK!!!!!!!! @roschon welcome and 🐻⬇️ https://t.co/ciYK4Gwon1
— Cork City Bears Fan (@BearsCork) April 29, 2023
Bears replace Montgomery with Roschon.. absolutely love that pick
— Mike 🏈 footballiance.com (@DraftMaverick) April 29, 2023
I wanted more playmakers. Didn’t think the Bears would take a running back. Roschon Johnson is a QB turned RB who according to some scouts has he potential to be “a core special teams player” Poles prolly betting on more than that and guessing he loves his ability to block.
— Mark Carman (@thecarm) April 29, 2023
I really like Roschon Johnson! He’s a tough runner, good in pass pro and played special teams at Texas. The young man should bring leadership and toughness to the CHI. #Bears #Nfldraft
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) April 29, 2023
GREAT pick taking Roschon Johnson
🐻⬇️
–
Feels similar to a Same perine was the RB behind Joe Mixo pic.twitter.com/hk3vZOr9xl— Drunk Ryan Poles (@DrunkRyanPoles) April 29, 2023
I kinda like this alot. Probably missed out on some good opportunities because of Bijan. Interested to see how they handle Herbert/Homer/Foreman, but I’d guess Johnson will be primarily a special teamer https://t.co/FEVqALH2aO
— Eddie (@EddieBarstool) April 29, 2023
Roschon is a solid pick he backed up Bijan Robinson at Texas, he’s a tough runner, good in pass protection but I think he needs to work on getting to the second level quicker
— 79th & Halas Podcast (@79thAndHalas) April 29, 2023
By week three, Roschon Johnson will be receiving a majority of the Carrie’s for the Bears
Fantasy owners prepare accordingly https://t.co/wl17COw99z
— Kevin Lapka (@kevcharles112) April 29, 2023
The #Bears are getting a fun one with Roschon Johnson pic.twitter.com/Mc9x4fparH
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) April 29, 2023
Justin got another weapon.
Bears RB room is loaded.
Bears WR room is loaded.
Bears TE room is loaded.
Book end tackles on rookie deals.
Great off-season for the offense so far https://t.co/hwBMEUsWIm
— illwill (@79illwill) April 29, 2023
Pretty sure Roschon Johnson will be RB1 in Chicago no later than about week 4. If he was at a different school, I think he goes round 2.
— Bill Zimmerman (@ZimmermanSXM) April 29, 2023
Here’s Roschon Johnson’s #RAS card. He tested well at the Combine, and that shows on tape.
I had him as my No. 91 overall player, and the #Bears got him at No. 115. Think there’s a strong chance he becomes their starting RB in the future. pic.twitter.com/NBVlXGO1wf
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 29, 2023
