Despite the Chicago Bears not having a first-round pick for the second straight year, many believe that the Bears snagged a first-round talent with their 50th overall selection in the second round.
The Bears strengthened their secondary with the addition of Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who figures to be the starting cornerback opposite Kyle Fuller when the 2020 season begins.
There are many that have lauded Johnson as Chicago’s best draft selection — saying they got a steal in a top-three cornerback that fell to the second round due to concerns about past shoulder injuries.
Bleacher Report says that Johnson is the Bears’ best-value selection from the 2020 NFL Draft, and it’s a belief shared by many.
Cornerback wasn’t the biggest need for Chicago, which finished ninth in passing yards allowed last season. However, it’s always good to add a Pro Bowl-caliber pass-defender, which is what Johnson can be.
Johnson was viewed as a first-round prospect near the end of the predraft process. For example, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager mocked him at 19th overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Getting him in the middle of the second round represents tremendous value.
Contrary to what B/R said, cornerback was indeed an important need for the Bears, and they proved as much with their actions in the NFL Draft. While they had Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns on the roster waiting to compete for that starting cornerback job, they couldn’t pass up a first-round talent that could not only be an immediate starter but someone that could hold down the Bears secondary for years to come.
General manager Ryan Pace has strengthened many position groups on defense this offseason, cornerback among them. On paper, this defense is shaping up to be a top-five unit. Perhaps, some would say, potentially better than the 2018 unit. But we’ll have to wait and see.
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