There are few things more entertaining for Chicago Bears fans during the down periods of the NFL offseason than the episodes of 1920 Football Drive. It is the team’s version of HBO’s Hard Knocks, covering various events in the calendar. The most recent one did an overview of their work in free agency, headlined by the signings of safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Devis Bush, and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. However, towards the end of the episode, they teased their prep work for the 2026 draft. Here is where Chris Johnson comes into play.
Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the name. This isn’t the former Tennessee Titans running back. During one sequence in which general manager Ryan Poles discusses draft preparations, the video cuts to assistant director of college scouting Francis St. Paul visiting a pro day. Mind you, this is the only such clip in the entire video, which makes it all the more interesting. St. Paul is talking with a staffer at San Diego State. Why is this important? Namely, because there is only one player from that school expected to get drafted this year.
That is cornerback Chris Johnson.
Chris Johnson is a perfect fit for the Bears.
Experts describe him as a great athlete with the desired size for the position. What sets him apart from others is his technical prowess. He plays the position with such discipline and fluidity. Wide receivers can almost never shake him, even if he’s in zone or man coverage. It doesn’t matter. His passion for the game also stands out in how hard he plays on each snap. There is a tenacity and edge to his game that will immediately appeal to both defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and secondary coach Al Harris.
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For all the talk about defensive line and offensive line, people haven’t paid much attention to cornerback as a need for the Bears. However, we already know this team is driven by finding the best football players. That is why they took Colston Loveland last year when they technically didn’t need a tight end. Is it possible they’re reaching the same conclusion with Johnson? He may not be a need, but the kid can play at a high level, drawing comparisons to Byron Murphy and Kendall Fuller.
The Bears’ interest in Johnson would be justified.
Let’s remember the situation as it stands. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon spent most of 2025 injured and not at full strength. Banking on that changing this year feels dangerous. Tyrique Stevenson has one year left on his contract, and Nahshon Wright left in free agency. The team doesn’t have any definitive guys they can trust who will probably be here within the next five years. Considering how important cornerbacks are to modern defenses, you should never turn your nose up at taking one in the 1st round.
Also, don’t forget the array of wide receiver talent the Bears have to deal with.
- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Jameson Williams
- Christian Watson
- Jayden Reed
Containing all of that requires a group of talented cornerbacks. Too often, the Bears were victimized on the back end because most of their top guys weren’t healthy. It isn’t hard to imagine Poles and the coaching staff would prefer some stability this season. Chris Johnson would help provide that, even as a rookie. It might not be the elusive pass rusher everybody wants, or the franchise left tackle. Yet this feels like exactly the type of move this team would do.
