The Chicago Bears are looking to rebound following a disappointing season, and they have some rookies that are poised to make an impact in 2020.
While the Bears were without a first-round pick for the second straight year, they did have a pair of second-round selections where they addressed two significant needs with tight end Cole Kmet and cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Chicago also snagged someone intriguing prospects in the fifth round in edge rusher Trevis Gipson, cornerback Kindle Vildor and receiver Darnell Mooney. The Bears also added a pair of offensive linemen in Arlington Hambright and Lachavious Simmons in the seventh round.
But which Bears rookie is poised to help the team the most in his rookie season? Is it Kmet, who should bring in an instant burst to Chicago’s tight end room? Is is Johnson, who figures to be the favorite to land the vacant cornerback spot opposite Kyle Fuller? Or perhaps Mooney, who should bring speed to the Bears’ offense?
Our Bears Wire staff shares their picks for Chicago’s rookie of the year, and it’s nearly a clean sweep.
Alyssa: CB Jaylon Johnson
The Bears got an absolute steal in Johnson in the second round of the NFL Draft, who many had pegged as a first-round talent. He’s a versatile, athletic corner who has a great chance of locking down a starting spot in his rookie year. Johnson is the clear-cut favorite to win the starting job opposite Kyle Fuller, and he has the tools and opportunity to make an immediate impact in his rookie season. And if Chicago’s pass rush returns to its 2018 form, he’ll benefit significantly.
Johnson knows that there were six cornerbacks taken ahead of him in the draft, and that’s a chip that he’s carrying on his shoulders. He’s aiming to accomplish some significant milestones in his rookie season, including winning the starting job, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and winning a Super Bowl. Bears fans would love nothing better than for all of those to come to fruition.
Brendan: CB Jaylon Johnson
Not only is Johnson the team’s most pro-ready rookie after dominating the last two years at Utah, but he also has the clearest path to becoming a starter opposite to Pro-Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller following the release of veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara in February. Johnson played at an elite level in 2018 and 2019, giving up just three touchdowns in over 1,200 snaps during his entire collegiate career. He’s an extremely athletic player who has shut down opposing wide receivers on a consistent basis. Johnson is also someone who is very confident, almost bordering on cocky, which is a trait you like to see in defensive backs.
It’s also worth noting that the entire Bears secondary should benefit from the return of linebacker Danny Trevathan and defensive end Akiem Hicks, along with newcomer outside linebacker Robert Quinn. When healthy, the front-seven is among the best in the league, which will provide more opportunities for the team’s defensive backs. Considering all those factors, Johnson is poised to be the Bears top-performing rookie in 2020.
Ryan: TE Cole Kmet
With as much as Matt Nagy utilizes the tight end in his offense, Kmet has a tremendous opportunity to collect a ton of yardage in the Bears offense. And despite the fact that the Bears have 100 tight ends on the roster, none are as talented as Kmet, who will likely play opposite of newcomer Jimmy Graham.
Could Kmet become the first Bears tight end to win the AP NFL Rookie of the Year Award (link to my previous staff prediction) since Mike Ditka took home the honor in 1961?
Greg: CB Jaylon Johnson
The Bears got themselves a strong, physical, press corner with the 50th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The 21-year old is coming off an incredible career at Utah where he played 1,256 snaps and allowed three touchdowns. He totaled seven interceptions, two touchdowns, 21 pass deflections, and was named to the first team All-Pac-12 twice and a 2019 All-American. Last year Johnson allowed the lowest completion percentage allowed on targets of 10+ yards (24.1%) and allowed a 52.0 passer rating.
Those are first round stats, but the reason for Johnson’s fall to the second round was the three shoulder surgeries. Johnson will be locked in as a day one starter where he will be opposite to Kyle Fuller. A best friend to any defensive back is a good pass rush and the Bears have that. With the acquisition of outside linebacker Robert Quinn, the return of defensive end Aikem Hicks and linebacker Danny Trevathan, then the dangerous Khalil Mack; Johnson and the secondary are going to be on lockdown. Not only does Johnson have a great chance of being the Bears’ rookie of the year, he has a good shot at the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
