It is always interesting when comparisons are thrown around between a young player and an established player. While nobody wants to set the bar too high, which can create unfair expectations, it also offers an idea of what the new arrival can bring his team. That is the case with Roschon Johnson. He came in with more hype than a 4th round pick usually gets. The fact he was a backup his entire college career made it even stranger. Yet when you watch his game film, it becomes easier to understand why the Chicago Bears are excited about him. He is clearly the next Derrick Henry.
Wait, what? Now before people lose their minds, context is needed here. Former Bear Corey Wootton appeared on Sports Talk Chicago recently to discuss Johnson. He openly stated that when he watched the rookie play, he saw a lot of Henry in his game. Big, strong, tough to tackle, and deceptively fast.
Is Johnson a carbon copy of Henry? Of course not. Henry is three inches taller and over 20 lbs heavier. There are no running backs in the NFL remotely close to his size, strength, and speed combination. That said, Johnson has plenty of power in his own right, along with a well-proportioned frame and the same unwillingness to go down on first contact.
He’s not Derrick Henry, but he might be a more versatile David Montgomery.
The former Bears running back was known for his tackle-breaking prowess. Johnson is taller and faster than Montgomery. He also brings more to the table as a receiver out of the backfield and especially as a pass protector. To top it off, he’s a plus special teams presence. If the Bears end up with a slightly better version of Montgomery, that is a big win for them. Of course, it would be nice if Johnson becomes the next Derrick Henry, but nobody with any sense would expect that of him.
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This statement makes one thing clear. The Bears remain strong at the running back position. When Johnson is your third guy going into training camp, that is a great thing. Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman are already proven veterans. If Luke Getsy can find a way to get all three involved, this running game might be even harder to stop than it was last season. Coupled with a revamped passing attack, it could be a fun season for the Bears offense.
