3 Players Ben Johnson Could Lure to the Chicago Bears After Hiring

The Chicago Bears' head coaching search came to an end early Monday afternoon when they hired the hottest name available. According to Tom Pelissero, the Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Ben Johnson.

Johnson's hiring marks one of the few times the organization made the obvious hire. Furthermore, Johnson being named the next head coach before the Super Bowl allows the team to focus all efforts on roster building going forward.

This will allow the Bears to scout players who fit Johnson's system and acquire them through free agency or the draft. With that in mind, here are three players who Johnson could lure to Chicago this offseason.

1. Najee Harris, RB

Over Johnson's last two seasons in Detroit, he has helped create the best running game in the NFL This was achieved by pairing a power back in David Montgomery with a speed back in Jahmyr Gibbs. Although Gibbs proved he possessed power in his game this season, his main threat is still his speed.

In 2024, both backs rushed for over 1,000 yards, so it's pretty clear that running is a huge part of Johnson's offensive identity. That said, the Bears don't currently have the best backfield. D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson both struggled to find consistency behind a bad offensive line, an issue that Johnson will need to help fix.

Even so, Johnson could look at both backs and think they are replaceable. Heck, he's already replaced Swift once in Detroit. That could leave the door open for a running back like Najee Harris.

Much like Montgomery, Harris's strength is power. In four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris has never rushed for fewer than 1,000 yards. Nevertheless, Harris has never averaged more than 4.1 yards per carry, proving that he doesn't possess the same power-speed blend as Montgomery does.

Yet, Johnson may still look at Harris's power and want to bring that into his offense. Maybe paring Swift and Harris could produce similar results as Montgomery and Swift.

2. Javonte Williams, RB

Another running back Johnson could look to bring to Chicago is Javonte Williams. Williams has spent the first four years of his career with the Denver Broncos. In Denver, Williams has recorded 606 carries for 2,394 yards, 11 touchdowns, and averaged 4.0 per carry.

Williams's best season came as a rookie. In 2020, Williams rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards a carry. Furthermore, Williams rushed for 2.2 yards after contact, which is about where Montgomery has been these past two seasons.

Unfortunately, Williams suffered an injury four games into his second season and has struggled to regain his rookie form. In the past two seasons, Williams has averaged 3.6(2023) and 3.7 (2024) yards a carry.

This past season was Williams's least productive, rushing for just 513 yards on 139 carries and scoring four touchdowns. Despite that, Williams might be able to recapture some of his success from his rookie season in a new place.

Johnson could recognize that and put Williams in the best position to succeed as a Bear.

3. Mekhi Becton, RG

Another position Johnson understands the importance of is offensive line. During his time with the Lions, they had one of the best offensive lines in football. Currently, the Bears do not have that, but they need to try and build that.

The best way to start would be signing Trey Smith, who will likely rest the guard market. Nonetheless, there may also be a cheaper young lineman available who has revived his career this season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Former New York Jet Mekhi Becton has looked great this season with the Eagles.

Becton started his career in New York with the Jets as a right tackle with a high upside. Sadly, his time in New York was riddled with injuries that kept him off the field, and when he did play, he underperformed. As a result, the Jets moved on, and Becton signed with the Eagles.

Philadelphia then converted Becton from a right tackle to a right guard. Since then, Becton has dominated the competition, opening up huge holes in the running game.

In addition to his flashes in running blocking Becton has proven to be a great pass protector this season. In 450 pass block reps, Becton has allowed just 20 QB hurries and 25 QB pressures, according to PFF.

The Bears can certainly use an offensive lineman like Becton. Johnson knows that and will be doing everything he can to get the best linemen to Chicago. If that ends up being Becton, Bears fans have the right to be a bit skeptical, but he could very well be hand-selected by Johnson.

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