The Chicago Bears drafted the best Texas running back in the draft

Chicago Bears rookie running back Roschon Johnson has impressed the team this preseason thanks to his stellar play, per Sports Illustrated and Clutch Points. This makes us beg the question: Did the Bears get the best Texas Longhorn running back in the 2023 NFL Draft?

The Chicago Bears drafted the best Texas running back in the draft

Johnson was selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the draft. Johnson's college teammate, rookie running back Bijan Robinson, was drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons after being touted as a generational running back prospect. Johnson was behind Robinson in the depth chart in college, but that doesn't mean he can't have a better career than Robinson.

For starters, Johnson has a chip on his shoulder. He went under the radar in the draft after playing behind Robinson, an All-American. While Johnson showed glimpses of greatness in Austin when given the opportunity, he was never given the praise he deserved under Robinson's shadow.

Make no mistake, Johnson's luck will change in The Windy City. Johnson enters a golden chance to succeed in the NFL with the Bears, who led the league in rushing yards last season and are looking to repeat their ground-and-pound dominance.

Right now, Johnson is third in the Bears depth chart behind D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert. If the rumors are true about Johnson turning heads in training camp, he's likely to rise up the depth chart as the season moves forward.

Meanwhile, Robinson is expected to be a three-down back for the Falcons. It wouldn't surprise anyone if Robinson averages 30 touches a game in the Falcons offense.

Robinson's massive role with the Falcons might come back to bite him as his career progresses. At the same time, Johnson starting slow and having to work his way up the depth chart might benefit him, leading to a long and healthy career instead of burning out before 25.

A similar situation occurred involving two Penn State running backs in the late 2010s. Saquon Barkley was a Heisman favorite and praised as a once-in-a-lifetime prospect. He was drafted No. 2 overall by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft. After winning Rookie of the Year, Barkley was never the same player, and his career has been marred by injuries ever since.

Barkley's backup at Penn State was Miles Sanders, who had to work his way up the Philadelphia Eagles depth chart before becoming the team's three-down back. In 2022, Sanders became the first Eagles running back to rush for 1,000 yards or more since LeSean McCoy in 2014. He also spearheaded the Eagles to their fourth Super Bowl appearance since 2000.

As Barkley and Sanders enter the middle of their careers, both are top-10 running backs in the league.

If history repeats itself, Johnson could be a draft steal for the Bears. He's already starting to get the recognition he deserves. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen predicted Johnson would be the Bears' fantasy sleeper candidate in a recent article.

An inspiring rise to stardom might be in store for Johnson. As he gears up to make his debut for a run-heavy offense looking to win in a wide-open NFC North, there will be plenty of chances for him to succeed.

Johnson will wear No. 23 with the Bears just like another great Chicago athlete by the name of Michael Jordan. How can you not root for Johnson?

Before joining the Bears, Johnson accumulated 2,190 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns for the Longhorns.