Jaylon Johnson listed among Pro Football Focus' Top 50 NFL Players
While all the attention for the Chicago Bears entering the 2024 season may be on their new-look offense, which includes rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze, and veteran wide receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, what might be lost on some is that Jaylon Johnson is entering the season with the recognition of being a superstar cornerback.
After a breakout season in 2023, Johnson backed up the talk and emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Johnson's play last season earned him a lucrative four-year extension with the Bears and as the team gets ready to report to Training Camp later this week, Pro Football Focus has the Bears' primary cornerback among their top 50 players in the NFL.
"42. CB JAYLON JOHNSON, CHICAGO BEARS
- Pro Football Focus
Jaylon Johnson had a career year in 2023 and was arguably the best cornerback in the game. His 91.0 PFF coverage grade was the top mark in football, and he allowed just a 33.3 passer rating into his coverage — a lower figure than if opposing quarterbacks had thrown the ball into the dirt 50 times instead. The Bears brought him back on a contract extension for 2024 and beyond, so Johnson is now tasked with repeating that level of play."
While Montez Sweat gets the credit for elevating the Bears' defense last season given his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Johnson's ascension has led to him becoming the leader in the locker room for the Bears.
Jaylon Johnson is the leader of the Bears' defense.
With Eddie Jackson no longer a member of the Bears' defensive secondary, Johnson is now the veteran who sets the tone. That is why the Bears locking up Johnson on a long-term deal was important. Between Tyrique Stevenson entering his second year and Kyle Gordon embracing his role as the nickel back, Johnson's presence can not be understated.
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