While the Chicago Bears didn’t have a first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, they did have a pair of second-rounders to address some roster needs on offense and defense. And they got an absolute steal in the defensive backfield.
The Bears selected Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson with the 50th overall selection, addressing a hole in the secondary vacated by the departed Prince Amukamara.
In 2019, Johnson had 36 tackles, 11 passes defensed and two interceptions, including one for a touchdown for the Utes.
Following the release of Amukamara earlier this offseason, the Bears were looking for a running mate opposite Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller at right cornerback. And they found him in Johnson, who been praised for his physicality and athletic build that allows him to stack up against bigger, physical receivers. He’s developed into a shutdown cornerback in his junior season with Utah.
The Bears have a few cornerbacks already on the roster — including Kevin Toliver and newcomers Tre Roberson and Artie Burns — and Johnson figures to have the edge in what should be a top position battle to watch in training camp.
