Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has been quietly making a name for himself in his second season, where he’s off to an impressive start through the first four games of the season.
Johnson has 6 pass breakups (2nd in NFL), allowed a 42.1 completion percentage (8th in NFL), 42.7 passer rating for opposing quarterbacks (3rd in NFL), 1 interception, 0 touchdowns allowed, given up 125 yards and has an 81.1 PFF grade (3rd in NFL).
Pro Football Focus unveiled their NFL First-Quarter All-Pro team, where Johnson was the only Bear featured. Johnson has been one of PFF’s highest-graded cornerbacks this season.
Johnson was arguably the best rookie cornerback last season, but that was a pretty low bar to clear, and he ended the year with just a 54.9 overall PFF grade. He has built on those encouraging signs in Year 2 and is allowing a lowly 42.7 passer rating, locking down his man in the Chicago defense.
Johnson has an interception and four pass breakups in 2021 while also impressing as a run defender. He hasn’t just been one of the best second-year corners; he’s been one of the best corners in the NFL, period.
Not too shabby for a second-round pick stepping into his new role of CB1.
The best is still yet to come from the young cornerback, who will face some challenges as the Bears prepare for the likes of the Raiders, Packers, Buccaneers, 49ers, Steelers and Ravens in the coming weeks.
