Chicago Bears: Two ways Jaylon Johnson immediately helps the defense

1. Johnson can seal the youth in the Chicago Bears secondary

This Bears secondary is filled with fair age. Kyle Fuller is 28 years-old, Eddie Jackson is 26, and newly signed Safety Tashaun Gipson is 30 years old. Former Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara turned 30 during his last season with the team. Adding a youthful cornerback in Johnson will bring the median age down some. Most young corners possess the speed and awareness that allows them to keep up with the constant passing in the NFL.

With the injury to the newly acquired Artie Burns, it leaves an opening for the other cornerback spot. That’s a fill that this team wants to figure out right away. Most of the other slots are filled, with the defense bringing back several starters. Usually, in situations like this, the rookie stills get a fair shot to showcase his talents to potentially become a starter. This holds even more true when you’re selected in a high round and grade like Jaylon Johnson.

Adding a young playmaker like Johnson will give the Bears time and patience to work with a defensive back who can be disruptive and hold down his side of this field. A six-foot stature could translate over well in the pros if Johnson plays physically.

Awareness and speed are two attributes that can work in his favor in the pros. Almost every team runs a spread offense and as a defensive back, you must stay on your toes at all times. Most pro quarterbacks will look to throw at a young defensive back until they give them a reason not to.