Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace completed Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft by selecting Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson with the 50th overall pick in the second round.
The selection fills a void on an elite defense left by the release of veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara. The former Ute will compete for the starting spot opposite Pro-Bowl corner Kyle Fuller with players such as Kevin Toliver II, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns.
Here’s a few things to know about the newest Chicago Bear:
1. Johnson has allowed just 3 touchdowns in his college career
Johnson faced stiff competition in the PAC 12 over the last three years. From receivers such as USC’s Michael Pittman Jr. and N’Keal Harry, to quarterbacks like Oregon’s Justin Herbert and Washington’s Jake Browning, the defensive back has been challenged on more than one occasion. He’s also embraced it – proving he’s a lockdown defender.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson played 1,256 snaps in coverage, allowing just three touchdowns. That’s one touchdown given up every six and a half NFL games when offenses average 64 plays per game.
2. Cornerback is in his blood – literally
It’s not uncommon for players to have family roots in football. We’re seeing more and more children of former college and NFL players who are now coming into their own But in Johnson’s case, it goes a bit further than that.
According to The Athletic’s Chris Kamrani, Johnson’s father and older brother played college cornerback as well. He was groomed for this position from the start and now gets his opportunity in the NFL.
3. He played last season with a torn labrum
Johnson had high aspirations of being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but instead he slipped to the second round. One of the primary concerns surrounding him is due to his injury struggles, including his most recent surgery.
Suffering a torn right labrum in 2018, Johnson opted to play through the injury and became one of the best corners in the country. According to Josh Newman of the Salt Lake Tribune, Johnson wanted to participate in the NFL Combine before undergoing surgery, making his numbers even more impressive. Pace felt comfortable with his medicals to make him the Bears’ selection in the second round.
4. Johnson is an effective press corner
Johnson isn’t just a great cornerback that can help the Bears win now, he’s also the perfect fit to play opposite Fuller. He plays press coverage quite a bit, getting close to the line of scrimmage to jam opposing receivers.
Fuller, meanwhile, prefers to play away from the line, paying close attention to the receiver and quarterback to come in and make a play. Fuller and Johnson potentially anchoring the outside positions should be good news for Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano.
5. He embraces the competition
If you’re looking for a player who folds when the lights are brightest, Johnson isn’t your guy. He’s always ready to go against the best, and even said he’s most looking forward to defending Green Bay Packers receiver Davante Adams recently.
The Bears were enamored with Johnson’s professionalism and overall football intelligence. Given that he’s ready to face one of the best wideouts in the NFL in Adams twice a year, Johnson is primed to become a fan favorite.
