The Chicago Bears got a steal in cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. With the release of veteran Prince Amukamara, general manager Ryan Pace located his cornerback of the future and pulled the trigger at pick 50.
One of the reasons that Johnson slipped to the second round as the seventh cornerback taken overall in the NFL Draft was due to past shoulder injuries. Johnson has had three shoulder surgeries — one on his left and two on his right shoulder — with the most recent coming in March to repair a torn right labrum, which he played through during most of the 2019 season at Utah.
Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano told reporters Thursday that he’s impressed with Johnson’s football IQ. But, as to be expected coming off shoulder surgery, Johnson has been limited in training camp.
“Moving around out there, he’s been a little bit limited because he’s coming off of a shoulder deal and stuff,” Pagano said. “But he’s got a bunch of dominant traits that should equate because he’s got good work ethic and I think he’s passionate and loves football.”
Back in April, Johnson told the Chicago media that his shoulder was fully healed and that he should “definitely be ready to go” come the start of the regular season.
While there’s no doubt that Johnson can be a starter in his rookie season, he has to earn that role opposite Kyle Fuller. The battle at cornerback is just one of many high-profile position battles in training camp. Johnson will battle the likes of Kevin Toliver and Artie Burns for the starting job.
Although according to NBC Sports Chicago’s JJ Stankevitz, Johnson isn’t the team’s No. 2 cornerback just yet.
Additionally: Jaylon Johnson is not the #Bears No. 2 CB right now. Has a tough road to earning that role before the season starts. https://t.co/0FWGfP1rFm
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) August 6, 2020
Johnson is at a disadvantage given he’s been limited coming off shoulder surgery, as well as the virtual offseason and lack of a preseason to get some valuable reps. Even if Johnson isn’t starting Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, that doesn’t mean he won’t earn the job sometime during his rookie year.
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