Jaylon Johnson was quite the revelation for the Chicago Bears in 2020. Scooping the Utah cornerback up with the 50th overall pick, hopes were high that he’d be able to contribute on defense right away. Sure enough, for a sluggish start in training camp, he swiftly emerged to become their #2 starting corner opposite Kyle Fuller. From there he had himself one of the best rookie seasons the organization has seen from that position.
He finished with 15 passes defended, two of which were intercepted by teammates. He also allowed just 56% of passes thrown in his direction to be completed. It wasn’t a perfect year though. He was credited with allowing five touchdown passes during the season. He also missed the final three games with a nagging shoulder injury. A problem that followed him from his time in college. So people aren’t quite ready to declare Johnson as a true successor to Fuller as CB1.
When hearing the 22-year old talk though?
He doesn’t think any of the bad plays last year were signs of his lacking ability. While talking on The Jim Rome Show, Johnson was asked about what the biggest challenge he faced was when transitioning to the NFL. In his mind, the physical demands of the league did nothing to scare him. There wasn’t a receiver he ran into he couldn’t cover. It was the mental side of the game that needed work. Every notable play he gave up wasn’t because the opponent made a good play. It was because he made a mistake.
This goes back to what Bears fans have learned about Johnson in the past several months. When it comes to confidence in his own abilities? Few are more unshakeable as the young cornerback. He believes there isn’t a receiver in football he can’t cover from a physical standpoint. Once he gets a grasp of the mental challenges of the NFL, people are going to see just how good he can be.
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Jaylon Johnson is ready for what comes next
Make no mistake. Fuller departing this offseason wasn’t welcome news. Johnson developed a deep respect for his former teammate. However, the business of the NFL makes things like this happen. That being said, the second-year corner sounds excited for what is to come. No longer being in Fuller’s shadow means more responsibilities but also a much better chance to shine as the top guy in that secondary.
Many players might shy away from moments like this. Not Jaylon Johnson. That isn’t the way he was wired. His mentality has always been that of the Ric Flair credo. To be the man, you have to beat the man. This is basically the mentality he brings on every snap against each receiver he faces. The only way they’re beating him is by him making a mistake.
Otherwise, they’re in for a long day.
The Bears certainly hope he lives up to the billing. If he does, their job on defense gets a lot easier. That means they’ll only have to figure out who will be playing across from him. A question that should be answered in training camp next week. Desmond Trufant? Kindle Vildor? There will be plenty of competitors.