An era came to an end for the Chicago Bears defense this offseason. One that saw Kyle Fuller no longer be their undisputed top cornerback on the roster. This after the team was forced to part ways over salary cap issues. It was a difficult decision to be sure. Fuller is still somewhat in his prime and probably had a couple of good seasons left in him. Yet the team felt they could get away with it. Why? The presence of Jaylon Johnson.
Chicago managed to add the young cornerback in the 2nd round last year. Despite a history of shoulder problems, many felt Johnson likely should’ve gone in the 1st round. He quickly proved them right with an above-average rookie season that included 15 passes defended. Unfortunately, his year ended with another shoulder injury, validating the draft concerns. So that made the Bears’ decision to cut Fuller a calculated gamble.
One Johnson seems hellbent on making sure pays off.
This video was posted by athletic trainer Johnny Johnson, a UCLA alum. The Bears cornerback continues to flash both his relentless work ethic and his insane athleticism. There is no time being spent off despite training camp still being more than three weeks away. Johnson hasn’t minced words this offseason. He feels he is a CB1. He can cover anybody in this league.
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Now he’ll have his chance to prove it. One thing that is crystal clear? His confidence remains unshakable. Johnson carries himself with that attitude that can easily be mistaken for arrogance. In truth, it’s more just supreme self-confidence. Something that is necessary for the best cornerbacks in the NFL. That is how one survives getting beaten for completions from time to time without getting discouraged.
Two keys lay ahead for Jaylon Johnson and the Bears
For Johnson himself? It comes down to two things. Staying healthy and finding a way to get more interceptions. That stigma about his shoulders won’t go away until he makes it through a full season without any problems. On top of that, despite his solid coverage as a rookie he failed to pick off a single pass. Now that he is the undisputed #1 guy? That is something that must change moving forward.
For the Bears? They have to figure out what they have around him. With Fuller gone as well as Buster Skrine, that leaves two starting spots vacant from last season. Both must be filled and they don’t really have definitive solutions. Only a handful of hopefuls like Desmond Trufant, Kindle Vildor, Duke Shelley, Tre Roberson, and Artie Burns. Barring a late addition to the mix, there is a lot to sort through.
Hence why concerns linger with this secondary.
Jaylon Johnson must take that next step though. Everything the team is trying to do won’t matter much if he doesn’t ascend like many hope. To his credit, he’s doing everything required to ensure that happens. The 22-year old looks ready to go. If he plays up to his potential, the Bears’ defense should be just fine moving forward.
