While Cole Kmet has divided some people on whether that was the right call for the Chicago Bears at #43, you won’t find any such division when it comes to their pick at #50. The Bears defense had a pressing need for more help at cornerback with the exit of Prince Amukamara. So they went after Jaylon Johnson out of Utah.
Initial reactions were a bit concerning because the kid dealt with some shoulder problems in college. However, given where the Bears got him many experts believe GM Ryan Pace was right to take the risk. Why? If Johnson stays healthy the belief is he’s good enough to be one of the best cornerbacks in the entire draft. The praise was almost universal.
“A tough, hard-nosed cover corner with outstanding instincts and awareness, Johnson is a polished technician with quick feet and active hands. He’s scrappy and competitive, which makes him a hard matchup for receivers who don’t like to battle on the perimeter.”
Jaylon Johnson is anxious to show people they messed up
For his part, Johnson is coming in with a lot to prove. He admitted to Bears reporters after the selection he was expecting to go higher. Some even had him in the 1st round. So to fall to #50 must’ve been a disappointment, as it can be for many players. The Bears aren’t going to complain. That just means they’ll get a guy who is motivated to show people they messed up passing on him.
If he does live up to this billing and can do it quickly, the Bears defense is going to be scary. They’ll have Johnson and Fuller on the outside with Buster Skrine in the slot and Eddie Jackson over the top. All of them playing behind a pass rush that will feature Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Robert Quinn. Say this for Pace. The man can build a hell of a defense.
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