The Chicago Bears hit on one of the most difficult positions to evaluate in the 2020 NFL draft with the selection of cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the second round.
Johnson, who’s started every game this season for the Bears, has given up 31 receptions on 58 targets for 495 yards, per Pro Football Focus, and has quickly become one of the team’s most important young players. He’s also one of the best first-year players in the league, according to the Touchdown Wire’s ranking of the top rookies in 2020.
He checked-in as an honorable mention.
While Johnson certainly has an argument to rank higher on this list, it’s worth noting he’s the only cornerback acknowledged in a class that included six first-rounders at the position.
The Bears may have landed the best one, which is extra special considering the Detroit Lions spent the third overall pick on former Ohio State standout, Jeffery Okudah, who’s among the lowest-graded defenders on the Lions roster this season.