The Chicago Bears might not have had a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but with the talent they got in 50th overall selection cornerback Jaylon Johnson, it’s almost like they did.
Many draft analysts had Johnson pegged as a first-round talent — a top-three cornerback prospect. But concerns about his shoulder injuries resulted in him dropping to the second round — and right into the lap of Bears general manager Ryan Pace.
But don’t take my word for it. Take it from someone that knows Johnson well. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who coached Johnson for three years, believes that Johnson should’ve no doubt been a first-round selection.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt that had that history of shoulder surgeries not been there, he would’ve been in the top 15 in my opinion,” Whittingham told the Mully & Haugh Show on Monday.
Many have hailed Johnson as Chicago’s best draft pick this year, and it’s easy to see why. He’s got all of the tools — physical and mental — to be a great player for the Bears.
“They got a great one,” Whittingham said. “He’s really the whole package as a corner. He’s got excellent size. He’s a 6-footer, close to 200 pounds, so he can match up with the bigger receivers. He’s got fluid hips, great speed, ball skills are outstanding, and his football IQ is off the charts. He’s one of the smartest kids that’s ever come through our program.
“He’s a guy who really has no weaknesses. He’s got a great skill set, and I think he’s going to be a very good player for the Bears.”
While Johnson will have to earn the starting right cornerback job opposite Kyle Fuller, he’s the clear-cut favorite to win it over Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns.
The hope is that Johnson, alongside Fuller, will solidify the Bears’ secondary for years to come. And if that’s the case, Chicago might pull off one of the biggest steals of the 2020 NFL Draft.
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