The NFL is a fast man’s game. Speed kills, and more often than not, the lack of it can kill a player’s career.
Rookies are often shocked by how much faster the pro game moves, and it sometimes takes a season (or more) for players to adjust. Just don’t tell that to Chicago Bears rookie cornerback, Jaylon Johnson.
Johnson told reporters Tuesday that it isn’t the speed of the NFL game that’s been his biggest adjustment. Instead, it’s the size and physicality of the players he’s playing against that’s been the most significant change.
“The speed isn’t a big difference,” Johnson said. “For me, personally, [NFL players] are a lot stronger and a lot bigger, but also that people know exactly what they’re doing – this is their profession. So there are a lot more savvy at what they’re doing and how to attack you.”
Johnson is one of the early season’s top rookie performers, regardless of position. He currently ranks second on Pro Football Focus’ list of the top-10 rookies and is fourth among all qualifying cornerbacks (veterans included) with an overall grade of 80.3.
It’s been an astonishing start to the 2020 season for Johnson, who was limited for most of training camp while he recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.
Selected 50th overall in the 2020 draft, Johnson joined the Bears as a projected starter. The former Utah star was considered a first-round prospect for most of the draft process, but injuries pushed him into Round 2.
Now, he’s gearing up for a showdown with the Falcons in Week 3 and their star-studded wide receiver room.
“I didn’t need to dive in to Atlanta. I knew who they were and their style of play way before this game,” he said. “They’re definitely explosive players and very savvy route runners and they make every route look the same.”