If you had to rank the top 30 players on the Chicago Bears entering the 2024 season, Roschon Johnson might not have made the cut.
Johnson finished the year with just 150 rushing yards while appearing in 14 games. However, entering 2025, he now ranks at No. 27.
Most important Chicago Bears in 2025 season: Number 27, Roschon Johnson
That’s primarily due to how thin the Bears' running back room is. If there’s one thing we know about Ben Johnson, it’s that he can generate strong production on the ground, and just about any back who gets the opportunity in his system has the chance to thrive. Johnson also prefers to deploy a two-back system: one speedy, change-of-pace runner and one physical, between-the-tackles grinder.
D’Andre Swift has the speed back role locked down. There is hardly anyone behind him who can fill that role. That leaves Kyle Monangai and Roschon Johnson in a true battle for a meaningful workload. One of them could end up with a significant share of carries.
Last year, Jahmyr Gibbs saw 250 rushes under Ben Johnson, with David Montgomery close behind at 185. Roschon Johnson has logged just 136 carries over two seasons, so that any fundamental role would be a big jump for him. He could be more impactful than we think.
Still, his production so far has been underwhelming. Monangai may be a rookie taken in the seventh round, but he was selected by this current coaching staff, something that could matter in a close competition.
It’s also possible the Bears add a veteran running back in free agency, which would push both Johnson and Monangai down the depth chart. While Johnson has a path to being one of the most essential Bears in 2025, he still lands outside the top 25 for now.