The most important thing for Collin Johnson to make the Chicago Bears 53-man roster

The biggest name to emerge from the Chicago Bears preseason opener was Collin Johnson. While he made many highlight-worthy catches and looked the part, it is fair to note that most players who were locks for the roster did not even play in the game, and he still has work to do to catch on at the bottom of the roster. However, while many fans will point to a big catch or two as a reason why he should stay, his biggest accolade may be on special teams. 

Johnson only played seven snaps, but it led all wide receivers, and he had a tackle on the opening kickoff. This is important to note because there is clearly a greater emphasis on kick return coverage now.

The Bears made sure to sign Jonathan Owens, and Amen Ogbongmeniga because they are both core special teams additions, and they appear to trust Velus Jones Jr. again this year because this may be the most value he brings. 

With that in mind, the Bears may be keeping Johnson, not for his catches last week but for his tackles. Johnson played four special teams snaps for the Bears last year but had a pretty consistent role in that area before that. 

Johnson played 167 snaps in 2020 and 108 snaps in 2021. He did not play in 2022, but two years of core special teams should entice the Bears. 

The Bears have their top three receivers locked in, and one of their other receivers will be a return man. Their top three are so solid that they do not need much from the back-end guys. 

Tyler Scott should be ahead of Johnson now, but if he is not the return man and Johnson has a role on special teams you have to wonder if Scott would be in danger of getting pushed down the depth chart. 

The Bears still need to see more from Johnson. A big catch here and there will help his case and will make the fans louder. However, a big play on special teams will be what wins him a roster spot.