Chicago Bears Draft: Why Jaylon Johnson is steal of the draft
By Ryan Heckman
3. Specific to the Bears, Johnson makes them dangerous
When you place a strong, bullying 6-foot corner with 4.5 speed on a defense that includes Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Roquan Smith, Robert Quinn, Eddie Jackson, Kyle Fuller among others, you make his life that much easier.
Johnson is one of the most physical defensive backs in this class, with an imposing style of play. He takes a lot of pride in limiting his receivers’ ability to extend plays, or even make the catch at all.
What makes Johnson even more special is that he hardly allows a big play. Last season, Johnson only allowed four catches of 10 yards or more on 31 targets. That is mind-blowing. That goes to show just how physical he is in ensuring he doesn’t give up much over his head.
Imagine having a guy like that, so physical, with a front seven like Chicago’s. Already, Johnson hardly gives up anything big-play-wise, but now he has a ferocious front seven doing a lot of the dirty work for him. That will make things even easier in terms of making plays on the ball.
Johnson now slots in as a Day 1 starter opposite Fuller. The Bears filled a glaring need, now allowing fans to rest easy knowing Tre Roberson, Kevin Toliver and Artie Burns are indeed there for depth purposes.
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The defense, at all three levels, is scary. Before Johnson, the secondary was already a good one — now it has the potential to be elite.