The Chicago Bears took a considerable gamble this offseason when they decided to cut Kyle Fuller. Parting ways with a cornerback who is still somewhat in his prime can be dangerous. It usually should be done only if they are confident they have someone ready to take his place. This seems to be the case with Jaylon Johnson. He had a standout rookie year after defending 15 passes and being the highest-rated corner of any rookie in 2020.
Even so, he still ended the season early with a shoulder injury. The latest in a long line of shoulder problems that go back to his days in college. While his coverage skills are hard to deny, can the Bears trust him to make it through a full season? They certainly hope so. Johnson himself is preparing and acting like he is already the CB1 of this team. He has big expectations. This is the moment he’s worked so hard for.
Others see him doing big things too.
One of them is Matt Miller of The Draft Scout and ESPN. When compiling his list of players from each team he sees having a breakout season, his choice was Johnson. A bit of a bold decision considering the cornerback had zero interceptions last season. However, the confidence he’ll excel seems unshakeable from Miller. He thinks a lot of people are going to be shocked at how much he improves this season.
“The spotlight is on Jaylon Johnson in 2021 as he’ll be asked to step up as the Bears’ top cornerback with Kyle Fuller now a Denver Bronco. No pressure. Johnson, who famously ran at the 2020 NFL Combine with a torn labrum, has the toughness and mentality to hold his own on the outside against all the NFC North has to offer at wide receiver. Look for a few early bumps, which are expected, but don’t be shocked when Johnson ends the year as one of the best young corners in the NFC.”
This is exactly what the Bears are banking on. Let Johnson naturally morph into the #1 corner on this defense while coaches try to find out who will fill the void at #2. Right now it appears to be a tossup between veteran Desmond Trufant and another 2020 draft pick in Kindle Vildor. It remains possible the team could add another name to the mix but this is where things stand for the time being.
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Jaylon Johnson emerging would be huge for Bears’ future
Right now it appears like the defense is entering a vital transition period. Several of their core members are now in their 30s. Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Danny Trevathan being the big three. This has a lot of people understandably nervous. They all remember what happened the last time this happened. Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman all fading away and the defense plunging into oblivion as a result.
This time around though? The unit might be in far better shape long-term thanks to the efforts of GM Ryan Pace. They already have an emerging star at inside linebacker in Roquan Smith. Eddie Jackson still has a few years to go before his 30th birthday. Bilal Nichols had his best season at defensive end with five sacks last year. They have some young pieces slotting into place. Jaylon Johnson becoming a top 10 corner would set them up nicely for years to come.
If only Pace could build an offense this way.
That is another thing. With Justin Fields likely to get most of the attention moving forward from a team budget perspective, the Bears need Johnson to be good. This will ease the burden on them trying to find help for the defense with fewer resources than years past. He seems ready for the challenge.