Chicago Bears: Two ways Jaylon Johnson immediately helps the defense

Jaylon Johnson can help the Chicago Bears defense in two ways this season

When it’s time for Jaylon Johnson to show face in full with the team, he will appear as a diamond in the rough. With the 50th pick of the 2020 draft, the Chicago Bears drafted defensive back Jaylon Johnson out of Utah.

It might not come with the glamour of a first-round choice, but it’s still worth noting that second-round picks can turn out to be impact players. He was a potential first-round selection, but a torn labrum worked against him. Johnson played through the injury through the majority of his final season at Utah.

Johnson possesses the skills and tangibles to mold right in this Chicago secondary. Through three years in college, he tallied seven interceptions with four of those coming his sophomore year (2018). The unit likes to attack in the zone and chase the ball down. It’s well known that this Bears defense has a knack for turnovers. It’s worth noting that the rookie corner was first in interception returns yards in 2018 while placing third in interceptions in the PAC-12 that same year.

While the injury and shortened practice time are working against his starting chances, there’s still enough to note that he can return a favorable option. Even a starter down the road is hard to rule out. Preseason is canceled and a lot of reps are being left on the table due to his previous circumstances as well. A week one start might not be a shoo-in but Johnson could still show his value with his team.

Bears Nation shouldn’t underestimate the signing of the 21-year-old former All-American. His resume also holds two first-team all PAC-12 selections. The rookie corner has nothing but space and opportunity when his time comes. to learn the defensive system led by Bears’ second-year defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano.