Tag: Bears cornerback

Don’t sleep on Bears rookie CB Jaylon Johnson in 2020

There are high expectations for what Bears CB Jaylon Johnson can accomplish in his rookie season.

Despite not having a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears were able to snag two first-round talents in tight end Cole Kmet and cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the second round.

Both selections addressed a need on the roster, and both Kmet and Johnson are expected to see significant playing time as rookies. NFL.com’s Dan Parr examined 25 rookies poised for success in 2020, and Johnson was among them.

Artie Burns and Kevin Toliver are the other options to start opposite Kyle Fuller. In other words, the Bears need Johnson to step up and win that job. The good news is he’s up to the task. Perhaps his history of shoulder surgeries — the most recent one coming in March — scared some teams off and explains why he was available late in Round 2 (50th overall) after many had him pegged as a first-round pick.

Regardless, it’s a great value for a Chicago secondary that gets a feisty corner with the toughness, strength and instincts the team covets. Bears fans shouldn’t have to worry about whether Johnson can defend the island, as the former Ute has shown he can more than hold his own in single coverage over the past couple seasons, recording the FBS’ fifth-best passer rating when targeted (51.4) and the second-best explosive play rate allowed (10.9%), per Pro Football Focus.

Johnson was pegged by many as a top-three cornerback in the NFL Draft, but there were teams concerned by his shoulder injuries that passed on him, which allowed him to fall to general manager Ryan Pace in the second round.

The Bears are looking for a starting right cornerback opposite Kyle Fuller, and Johnson appears to be the clear-cut favorite to win the job in 2020, where he’ll compete with the likes of Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns, among others.

There were six cornerbacks taken ahead of Johnson in the 2020 NFL Draft, and it’s a chip that he carries on his shoulders. He’s determined to prove those teams wrong while also aiming to accomplish some significant milestones in his rookie season, including winning the starting job, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and winning a Super Bowl.

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Jaylon Johnson among best bets to win Defensive Rookie of the Year

One of Jaylon Johnson’s goals is to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, and there are some that believe he has a good chance to do just that.

The Chicago Bears got a steal in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who many had pegged as a first-round talent.

But concerns with his injury history scared teams in the first round, which allowed him to fall to the second round and right to the Bears at pick No. 50. There were six cornerbacks taken ahead of Johnson, and he’s determined to prove those teams that passed over him wrong.

“The way I took it is [other teams] feel like there were so many other corners better than me that I couldn’t add value to that organization,” Johnson said, via ChicagoBears.com. “So for me, at the end of the day, I’m going to go out every week and show who I am, what I could’ve been for any team that would have selected me and really just give back to the team that did pick me and show love to them.”

Johnson isn’t shying away from lofty goals for his rookie season. One of those goals is to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, and there are some that believe he has a good chance to do just that.

Touchdown Wire‘s Doug Farrar believes Johnson is among the best bets to win the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

It’s a mystery why Johnson lasted until the 50th overall pick in the second round — the Utah cornerback never allowed an opponent passer rating higher than 57.6 in three high-target seasons. Whether in zone or man, press or off-coverage, Johnson has the athleticism and diagnostic abilities to be one of the best NFL defenders in this draft class.

Considering Johnson is expected to be the favorite to land the starting right cornerback job opposite Kyle Fuller, this is an easy bet to make. But Johnson will have to win the starting job over Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns.

Although given Johnson’s talent and determination to make waves in his rookie season, it’s expected that he’ll win the starting job and get an opportunity to compete for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

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NFL Draft: CB Jaylon Johnson dubbed best-value pick by Bears

Many have lauded Jaylon Johnson as Chicago’s best draft selection – a top cornerback prospect that fell to the second round.

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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Bears got a steal in CB Jaylon Johnson in 2nd round

Chicago didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but they got a first-round talent in CB Jaylon Johnson in Round 2.

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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Grading the Bears’ selections of CB Kindle Vildor, WR Darnell Mooney

Let’s take a look at our early grades for the Bears’ selections of CB Kindle Vildor and WR Darnell Mooney.

The Chicago Bears selected three rookies in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Considering Bears general manager Ryan Pace utilized a trade to grab two of them, that speaks to their value in the eyes of this franchise.

Chicago added their eighth cornerback — and second in this draft class — when they selected Georgia Southern’s Kindle Vildor with the 163rd overall pick. They also added speed in the form of Tulane wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who they traded two sixth-round picks to move up and take him at 173rd overall.

While it’s far too early to begin assigning grades before they step up on the field — and years later — we can’t help ourselves.

Let’s take a look at our early grades for the Bears’ final two selections in the fifth round:

CB Kindle Vildor

Chris Thelen/Getty Images

Bears general manager Ryan Pace has said that you can’t have too many cornerbacks on your roster. And he certainly meant it. Following the 2020 NFL Draft, Chicago has eight cornerbacks on their roster.

They added two cornerbacks in this draft — second-round pick Jaylon Johnson out of Utah and fifth-rounder Kindle Vildor out of Georgia Southern.

Vildor is an athletic corner with the ability to play in multiple coverages, and he’s certainly a project for the Bears. Vildor had 9 interceptions, 9 tackles for loss and 25 pass breakups in his final three seasons at Georgia Southern.

While Vildor shouldn’t be expected to immediately compete for that starting right cornerback spot opposite Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller, he’ll serve as a solid special teams contributor, particularly early on in his career.

Pace has managed to find some late-round gems — especially on defense — and perhaps Vildor will add his name to the list down the line. For now, the Bears got a developmental cornerback in the fifth round that will see action on special teams.

Grade: B

What do you think, Bears fans? How would you grade Chicago’s selection of Vildor?

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Read on for Mooney’s grade

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2020 NFL Draft: Bears select CB Kindle Vildor with 163rd overall pick

The Bears selected Georgia Southern cornerback Kindle Vildor with the 163rd overall pick.

After only two draft selections in the first four rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft, Bears general manager Ryan Pace has been busy adding some developmental talent to Chicago’s roster.

The Bears selected Georgia Southern cornerback Kindle Vildor with the 163rd overall pick. Chicago has now used three of their first four picks on defense.

Vildor is an athletic corner with the ability to play in multiple coverages. Vildor had 9 interceptions, 9 tackles for loss and 25 pass breakups in his final three seasons at Georgia Southern.

With the selection of Vildor, the Bears now have eight cornerbacks on their roster, which is almost as many tight ends that they have with 10.

Kyle Fuller, Jaylon Johnson, Buster Skrine, Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson, Artie Burns, Duke Shelley and now Vildor make up Chicago’s cornerback room.

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Bears CB Jaylon Johnson gets his wish to face Packers WR Davante Adams

Before being drafted by the Bears, CB Jaylon Johnson said he wanted to face Packers WR Davante Adams. Now, he’ll get that chance.

The Chicago Bears got a steal in Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Johnson is a physical corner that will challenge receivers — and in the NFC North there are several to contend with.

With the Bears determined to get back to the playoffs, they’ll have to chase the reigning NFC North champion Green Bay Packers for the crown. Lucky for them, they snagged a first-round talent in Johnson that can make an immediate impact in Chicago’s defense.

Interestingly enough, just a couple of days before the 2020 NFL Draft, Johnson appeared on NFL Total Access, where he was asked which receiver he’d most like to face.

His answer? Green Bay’s Davante Adams.

As for why he wants to face Adams, Johnson insists that he wants to face some of the best in the NFL, which includes Adams.

“Just the way he creates separation,” Johnson said. “The way he releases off the line, the way he runs his routes, he’s a very elite route runner. Just to go against that caliber of a guy to see how good I am, to see how close I play him and being able to make plays on him would be big.”

Well, Johnson is going to get his wish — twice a year. And Bears fans would love nothing more than to see him get the best of Adams for years to come.

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Grading the Bears’ selection of CB Jaylon Johnson

The Bears drafted Utah CB Jaylon Johnson with the 50th overall pick. See how Johnson graded out.

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Heading into the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears had needs at both cornerback and safety. You could argue that cornerback was move pressing, and general manager Ryan Pace proved just that with his selection.

Luckily for Chicago, a first-round talent in Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson fell to them with the 50th overall pick.

The selection itself is a showing of great faith in Johnson, since this is the earliest that the Bears have taken a cornerback since they selected Kyle Fuller in the first round back in 2014. In fact, Pace hasn’t drafted a cornerback high than the sixth round since the beginning of his tenure in Chicago. And it’s easy to see what Pace loves about Johnson.

Johnson is an instinctive cornerback that brings a competitive edge and toughness to the position. Coupled with his intelligence and ball skills, Johnson is the kind of cornerback prospect that has the ability to make an immediate impact as a starter.

Johnson has all the physical traits, but he’s also a high-character guy with an impressive work ethic, which are the kind of guys that Pace and Matt Nagy like to bring to the team.

The concern with Johnson isn’t his talent or character — it’s his injury struggles. Johnson has had three surgeries on his shoulders in the last four years — including most recently to repair a torn labrum following the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. The word from Johnson’s doctor is that he is ahead of schedule, according to The Athletic.

Assuming Johnson is cleared to go for his rookie season, he’ll have to compete for the starting job opposite Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller, where he’ll battle the likes of Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns. But you figure, at this point, Johnson has the upper hand.

There are concerns about Johnson’s shoulder injuries. But, ultimately, Johnson is a top-three cornerback talent that the Bears snagged in the second round.

Grade: B+

What do you think, Bears fans? How would you grade Chicago’s selection of Johnson?

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2020 NFL Draft: Bears addressed two needs on offense, defense in 2nd round

The Bears might not have had a first-round pick, but they managed to snag two first-round talents in the second round.

The Chicago Bears might not have had a first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, but they managed to snag two first-round talents in the second round.

While many will criticize the selection of tight end Cole Kmet in the second round, the Bears ultimately got the best tight end prospect in this draft class. Kmet is easily the most NFL-ready tight end in a weak class, and now he’ll get to play for his hometown Bears.

Kmet will assume the in-line tight end role, where he’ll help block in the run game and serve as a pass-catching weapon in Matt Nagy’s offense, for whichever quarterback lines up under center.

Following the addition of Jimmy Graham in free agency, Bears general manager Ryan Pace is banking on Kmet and Graham to right the fallacies of Chicago’s tight end group.

The Bears also addressed a need in the defensive backfield at cornerback with the selection of Utah’s Jaylon Johnson, who can be plugged in as an immediate starter.

Following the release of Prince Amukamara, the Bears have filled the hole at right cornerback opposite Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller. Johnson is a physical corner that will challenge receivers

While the Bears have three other cornerbacks on their roster that were vying for the starting spot — Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns — Johnson figures to have the clear upper hand in the competition for the starting job.

Chicago doesn’t have another pick until Day 3, where they’ll have five draft selections barring any trades. The Bears have one pick in the fifth round at No. 163, as well as two selections in the sixth round (No. 196, No. 200 ) and seventh round (No. 226, No. 233).

Heading into Day 3, the Bears still have roster needs at safety, offensive line, wide receiver, running back and quarterback. Pace is known for drafting some late-round gems, which will certainly be the hope for Saturday’s selections.

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WATCH: Highlights of new Bears CB Jaylon Johnson

The Bears strengthened their secondary with the addition of CB Jaylon Johnson. Take a look at what the Bears are getting with Johnson.

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The Chicago Bears strengthened their secondary with the addition of Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson with the 50th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Following the release of cap-casualty Prince Amukamara, the Bears were in search of a starting right corner to fill an important hole in the defensive backfield.

Chicago perhaps got an immediate starter in Johnson, who was an absolute steal in the second round for general manager Ryan Pace. The Bears appear to have found the running mate for Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller, which should make Chicago’s defense even more formidable.

Johnson is a first-round talent that slipped — not because of his talent, but because of injury concerns following offseason shoulder surgery. But make no mistake about it, Johnson is a physical, athletic cornerback that will challenge receivers.

Take a look at what the Bears are getting in Johnson:

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