Grading the Bears' 2023 Rookie Class
Roschon Johnson, RB (R4, Pick 115): B
As a rookie, Roschon Johnson proved that he's the type of player who makes the most out of any opportunities given to him.
The former Texas Longhorn faced an uphill battle for playing time due to veterans Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman being higher than him on the depth chart. However, the situation changed when injuries to the pair opened the door for the rookie rusher to shine.
In 15 games without a start, Johnson turned 81 carries into 352 rushing yards (4.3 yards per attempt) and two TDs while also converting 34 receptions into another 209 yards. His dual-threat ability opened the door to his being involved in the offense more as the season went
With Foreman slated to hit free agency this offseason, time will tell what Johnson can do with an expanded role in 2024. As of now, the sky could be the limit.
Tyler Scott, WR (R4, Pick 133): D
After recording 899 receiving yards and nine TDs with the Cincinnati Bearcats in 2022, Tyler Scott's first campaign with the Bears was quite disappointing.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound wideout was largely invisible throughout his rookie year. Although he was targeted 32 times across 17 games, he only hauled in 17 passes (53.1%) for 168 yards without a touchdown. Considering how Chicago's QB room only had a 55.2 passer rating when targeting him, it's easy to see why Bears fans were left frusrated by the 22-year-old's play.
Scott did make some timely passes (10-of-17 receptions were for a first down) and wasn't even too bad as a kick returner. Still, we need to see better play from him as a sophomore.