The Chicago Bears got a potential steal in running back Roschon Johnson in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
While Johnson stood in the vast shadow of Bijan Robinson (eighth overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons) at Texas, he was an effective running back for the Longhorns, averaging 6.0 yards per carry in 2022. He would’ve been a starter at most other programs around the country.
Back at the NFL Scouting Combine, Robinson had high praise for Johnson and what he brought to the team — both in regards to talent and leadership.
“Roschon is the best teammate I’ve ever had,” Robinson said at the NFL Scouting Combine, via NBC Sports Chicago. “He brings out so much in a player and the team just how he goes about being a leader. Not just his teammates but everybody in the community. I think that who he is as a person and what he does on the field – I don’t think he’s overlooked because he chose his presence and made his presence felt.
“Roschon is a god. He’s the other running back in this class, and I don’t think people should overlook the talent he has and the skillset that he brings. I think he’s just as good as anybody. His toughness and heart make him stand out over everybody.”
Here's what Bijan Robinson had to say about Roschon Johnson: pic.twitter.com/h2DWopjMI4
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) April 29, 2023
When looking at Johnson, he appears to be the full package — a three-down running back with passing catching ability and someone who’s solid in pass protection, where Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman lack.
Johnson will start his rookie season as third on the depth chart behind Herbert and Foreman. But many expect Johnson to push for playing time as a rookie, where he has the potential to emerge as a long-term starter.
