Is Roschon Johnson The Bears Primary Passing Downs Back? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Chicago Bears made multiple changes to their backfield this offseason. David Montgomery signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency. Khalil Herbert’s fantasy value skyrocketed following the news.

Yet, things quickly changed in Chicago. The Bears signed D’Onta Foreman shortly after Montgomery joined the Lions. However, that wasn’t the only addition to the backfield. The Bears also signed Travis Homer in free agency.

Even after signing two running backs in free agency, Chicago wasn’t done adding to their backfield. The Bears used the 115th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Roschon Johnson.

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What Did Roschon Johnson Accomplish At Texas?

The former Longhorn started his college career as a quarterback. However, injuries at the running back position forced Johnson to change positions. He had 123 rushing attempts for 649 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman. Unfortunately, his numbers declined when Bijan Robinson joined the team in 2020.

Johnson had 80 rushing attempts for 418 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. The following year he had 96 rushing attempts for 569 yards and five touchdowns before totaling 93 rushing attempts for 554 yards and five touchdowns last season.

Meanwhile, the former Longhorn averaged 5.6 yards per rushing attempt in his career. Furthermore, he averaged six yards per rushing attempt last year, a career-high. More importantly, Johnson played a role in the passing game for the Longhorns.

He had 56 receptions for 420 receiving yards and three touchdowns during his four years at Texas. Johnson put up those numbers despite splitting the backfield work with Robinson. Furthermore, the former Longhorn also played a critical role in pass protection.

Is Roschon Johnson The Bears Primary Passing Downs Back?

Johnson’s ability to make plays in the passing game and pass protect will get him on the field early in his rookie season. Reportedly the former Texas star will be Chicago’s pass-catching back as a rookie. Herbert and Foreman struggle in pass protection, while Johnson excels in that department.

While Chicago has three talented running backs on the roster, the rookie is the one fantasy players should target this summer. Johnson would have likely been a second-round pick if he hadn’t split the backfield with Robinson at Texas.

More importantly, the rookie should earn the majority of backfield targets. Neither Herbert nor Foreman have totaled more than 14 receptions in any year of their career. Meanwhile, Johnson had 23 receptions as a freshman.

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