The Curious Case of Roschon Johnson
By Shawn Lugo
While many say we need to add a running back, Roschon Johnson may already be the running back the Chicago Bears need.
Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Johnson has flashed his potential,but hasn't really been given the opportunity to showcase it.
Coming into the league scouts said, “Johnson will be a good candidate as the stable, powerful option in a two-headed backfield. His blend of size, burst, power and pass-protection skills make him immediately viable as an RB2 and third-down back.”
Bleacher Report
Roschon Johnson runs like a freight train when he gets a full head of steam, for better or worse. He is a big-bodied runner who relies on momentum to access his immense power, similar to Derrick Henry. Once he gets rolling, he brings a nasty blend of size, speed and power that is tough to deal with. He can run straight through someone's face, as well as blaze past defenders while brushing off arm tackles and using his upper-body strength to keep them at bay.
The Bears' roster features D'Andre Swift, I feel Johnson's role could evolve in the Bears new offensive scheme as a fantastic complement to him. While he has primarily served as a backup, his versatility and red-zone efficiency make him a valuable asset. Under new head coach Ben Johnson, known for his successful multi-back system, Johnson's skill set could be effectively utilized.
Roschon Johnson's Potential in Ben Johnson's Offense
Bears GM Ryan Poles has emphasized that Johnson's role was limited in the past and expressed optimism about his increased involvement in the upcoming season. Poles highlighted Johnson's ability to play a physical brand of football, a quality he believes was underutilized previously. With the team's offensive line improvements, including the additions of Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman, there's confidence that Johnson can thrive in a more prominent role.
In terms of efficiency, Johnson's success rate was impressive, standing at 56.4%, which keeps him in line with that of notable running backs like Saquon Barkley (52.5%) and Derrick Henry (58.3%). His ability to gain positive yardage on 92.7% of his carries further underscores his reliability. Johnson's physical running style and consistency in short-yardage situations offer the perfect complementary skill set to Swift.
Johnson's 4.3 yards per carry as a rookie further suggests that Johnson's style could be more effective in certain game situations. Although last year he averaged 2.7 ypc, I personally have cleared the slate of 2024 due to a very incompetent staff at the helm.
With Ben Johnson's offensive scheme emphasizing versatility and adaptability, Roschon Johnson's skill set aligns well with the system's requirements. His ability to handle a physical workload, contribute in the passing game, and perform in short-yardage situations positions him as a valuable asset in what I believe will be a committee approach.
As the Bears prepare for their upcoming season, starting with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, September 8, 2025, Johnson's performance could be pivotal in the team's offensive strategy.
In summary, Roschon Johnson has the potential to be a key contributor to the Bears' running game, and with the right opportunities, he could certainly prove to be the running back the team needs.
