Roschon Johnson  |  Texas 6’0” 219 lbs.  |  01/31/2001 (22)

Roschon Johnson was drafted by the Chicago Bears, becoming the eighth Running Back and 115th overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Johnson finished his four-year career at Texas averaging 5.6 yards per carry to go along with 2,190 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. He was overshadowed by Bijan Robinson on Texas’ depth chart for the last three seasons. In the three games played without Robinson during the last three years, Johnson turned 51 carries into 319 yards (6.3 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. In the final game of the 2021 season, Johnson rushed for 179 yards on 31 carries and of course, found the endzone as well. If Robinson played elsewhere in college, we would be talking about Johnson a lot more. 

FILM 

STRENGTHS

A very physical runner who generates a ton of yards through broken tackles. A consistent rusher who displays excellent size and athleticism. Bigger build with excellent balance for his size. Steps in to take on bigger defenders in pass-protection. Never shies away from contact but can also make defenders miss in open space regularly. Experienced in all four phases on special teams. Also displays soft hands out of the backfield. 

WEAKNESSES 

Has a tough time accelerating after putting on the brakes. Looks slow with his initial burst after receiving a carry. Doesn’t do anything special between the tackles. Lacks hip fluidity and displays poor pad level. Also has a hard time outrunning defenders in the open field. Although he shows great hands as a receiver, he needs to improve as a route runner if he wants to serve a receiving role in the pros. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

At the NFL Combine, Johnson measured in at 6’0” and 219 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 29.7. He ran a decent 4.58 40-yard dash (53rd percentile), equating to a 99.5-speed score (64th percentile). Johnson also displayed a lackluster 114.6 burst score (29th percentile) and a college dominator score of 12.7 percent (13th percentile). 

Johnson shows elite strength but neglected to bench press at the Combine and at his Texas Pro Day. He showcased “just okay” leaping abilities with a 31.5” vertical and a 122” broad jump. His one red flag would be his acceleration. His straight-line speed isn’t great, but his quickness out the gate could use a good amount of work. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Good

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Good

Johnson was selected with the 115th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Bears. 

Once David Montgomery signed with Detroit, the Bears’ backfield looked a bit murky. Johnson will compete with Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman for snaps in an up-and-coming offense. But the lead back position looks to be WIDE OPEN! 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

It’s hard to tell where Johnson should go in your rookie drafts. If your league is drafting soon, then he may be worth waiting for in the second/third round range. But if you are drafting closer to the start of the regular season, his value may rise exponentially as rumors swirl in camp. He’s a top-10 rookie back right now with a path to see many opportunities right off the bat. 

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