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RB Roschon Johnson, CHI (1 Viewer)

Bears signed No. 115 overall pick RB Roschon Johnson to a four-year, $4.608 million contract.​

Praised by GM Ryan Poles for his pass protection, rookie running back Roschon Johnson appears headed for the inside track for the team's third down role out of the backfield to start his career. The signing leaves only second-rounders Gervon Dexter and Tyrique Stevenson unsigned from the 2023 draft class. All eyes will be on the backfield battle in OTAs, camp, and preseason to gain a better idea of the expected usage split amongst Johnson, Khalil Herbert, and D'Onta Foreman.
May 22, 2023, 7:41 PM ET
 
I think Roschon has a real chance to carve out an early role and eventually take over. Herbert is completely one dimensional, Freeman is what he is just passed around the league because he's not that good, and Roschon can do all facets of the game. Think he has as good of chance as any rookie RB to take over his back field.
 
I think Roschon has a real chance to carve out an early role and eventually take over. Herbert is completely one dimensional, Freeman is what he is just passed around the league because he's not that good, and Roschon can do all facets of the game. Think he has as good of chance as any rookie RB to take over his back field.
Jonathan Taylor will be the RB1 there.
 
I think Roschon has a real chance to carve out an early role and eventually take over. Herbert is completely one dimensional, Freeman is what he is just passed around the league because he's not that good, and Roschon can do all facets of the game. Think he has as good of chance as any rookie RB to take over his back field.
Jonathan Taylor will be the RB1 there.
(X)doubt
 
I think Roschon has a real chance to carve out an early role and eventually take over. Herbert is completely one dimensional, Freeman is what he is just passed around the league because he's not that good, and Roschon can do all facets of the game. Think he has as good of chance as any rookie RB to take over his back field.
I’m higher than consensus on Roschon and, like you, can easily see him having a significant role on the offense early on. He’s the most well-rounded RB they have. Herbert lives up to his Juice nickname as a runner but isn’t good at pass pro and that is an area Roschon excels in. Foreman is a solid complimentary runner in his own right but last season was probably his peak. Neither Herbert nor Foreman provide anything in the passing game. The Bears will continue to feature the run heavily but I feel the addition of DJ Moore brings added emphasis to their desire to open up the passing game. That will keep Roschon on the field provided he does his part in pass pro.
 
Bears HC Matt Eberflus said RB Roschon Johnson missed Tuesday’s practice with an undisclosed injury.
Eberflus didn’t offer any specifics on Johnson’s injury or a time frame for his return. It’s possible this is a non-story in the next 24 hours, but this is what we know as of right now. Johnson is expected to compete for a share of the Bears’ backfield touches this season and could be on the field sooner rather than later thanks to his pass-blocking ability. There’s little reason to panic on Johnson’s status at this point, but his status is one to monitor over the next few days.
 
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin said the competition for the Bears RB1 job “likely comes down to pass protection.”

Roschon Johnson has been hyped by many as the team’s best pass-blocking back in camp, which could give him an inside edge on the starting job. Cronin notes that both Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman have split first-team reps while adding Johnson “might carry the most potential as a three-down back.” Herbert is a holdover from last year’s roster, and Foreman was signed as a free agent this offseason. While Johnson, a rookie fourth-round pick, will have to overcome both for playing time, it sounds like there’s a chance he could earn a significant role early on.
 
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin said the competition for the Bears RB1 job “likely comes down to pass protection.”

Somehow I doubt when Herbert is ripping off 5.5 YPC that pass blocking will be determinative of him starting, and I drafted Roschon in dynasty. I just don't think that premise will hold, though I was heartened to read the blurb. Sounds like a lot of camp noise and the building up of a rookie who isn't necessarily the speediest guy in the league.
 
But isn’t that what happened last year between Herbert and Montgomery? I’m not saying Roschon is going to beat him out but Herbert played in 12 games last year and only got double digit touches in 5 of them, while Montgomery, who had a significantly lower ypc, played in 15 games and had double digit carries in 12 of them.
 
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin said the competition for the Bears RB1 job “likely comes down to pass protection.”

Somehow I doubt when Herbert is ripping off 5.5 YPC that pass blocking will be determinative of him starting, and I drafted Roschon in dynasty. I just don't think that premise will hold, though I was heartened to read the blurb. Sounds like a lot of camp noise and the building up of a rookie who isn't necessarily the speediest guy in the league.
Yes because he will be ripping off huge runs when the defense knows a run is coming or that Herbert can't pass block or catch.

Herbert being in the game tells the defense what is coming.
 
But isn’t that what happened last year between Herbert and Montgomery? I’m not saying Roschon is going to beat him out but Herbert played in 12 games last year and only got double digit touches in 5 of them, while Montgomery, who had a significantly lower ypc, played in 15 games and had double digit carries in 12 of them.

Good point. I'm certainly hopeful.
 
“Roschon Johnson got a couple reps w/ 1 the 1st team O today in 11/11 and in the 2 min drill. Bears coaches are impressed w/ what they've seen to give him a look w/ the starters: "Just the running style. He's a downhill guy that we're excited about. He's got good vision. And since "he's gotten in there, we really love the style. We're just gonna keep letting that thing compete out where it belongs, and we'll see where it goes”

 
He’s got a chance to do something. I’ve heard so many people that watched the Longhorns, or have at least put all the tape work in on both the RBs that were there, say that YES Bijan was better but only because he was marginally better than Roschon across a few different fronts. The guy looks like someone with proper 3 down back potential.
 
Courtney Cronin
Roschon Johnson continued to get a handful of 1st team reps tonight. What stood out to TE Cole Kmet was watching Johnson in individuals, pass pro and how he asserted himself physically.
Kmet on Johnson: "You definitely gain some respect for those rookies that put their facemask in there and our willing to hit some guys, especially guys – he’s going against D-ends and linebackers who are hitting pretty hard."
 
He might be my rookie RB4 if I had it to over. Maybe.

My reservations were not about Herbert so much as Fields. And I am a Foreman fan also, think he’s a very good power back. So I want rookie backs that have quick success and I’m just not sure how much their is for him, but it’s about the situation and not the player for me.
 
Roschon Johnson rushed seven times for 32 yards in Saturday’s preseason game against the Colts, adding one reception for 11 yards.
Johnson’s long rush went for 14 yards. He now has 19 carries for 76 yards (4.0 YPC) on the preseason gridiron. He impressed coach Matt Eberflus on Saturday evening. “You saw RoJo, he was really good tonight with his cutting and his reading of the holes,” Eberflus said. “I thought he really got north a bunch of times and put his pads down.” Johnson’s strong night came as D’Onta Foreman failed to impress. We still don’t really know how the Bears’ backfield might shake out, but Johnson has drawn consistently positive reviews. He could end up second in touches behind Khalil Herbert to begin the season.
 
Looks solid and seems like the kind of dude coaches love. Enough for me to hope he can supplant Foreman in the pecking order and be the goal line, 3rd down specialist while Herbert handles the early down, between the 20s role.
 
but I wasn't too impressed with much else.

He's a big back who won't wow you with agility or speed. He looks like he's still getting things to slow down and running in bursts. He's an interesting back. I roster him but don't love his style. That said, those were some quality runs. Even when Indy had him cold, he got positive yardage.
 
He's a big back who won't wow you with agility or speed. He looks like he's still getting things to slow down and running in bursts. He's an interesting back. I roster him but don't love his style. That said, those were some quality runs. Even when Indy had him cold, he got positive yardage.
As a Herbert owner, I am not scared.

As a standalone prospect, I don't see upside.
 
He's a big back who won't wow you with agility or speed. He looks like he's still getting things to slow down and running in bursts. He's an interesting back. I roster him but don't love his style. That said, those were some quality runs. Even when Indy had him cold, he got positive yardage.

As a standalone prospect, I don't see upside.
Everyone should get their eyes checked every so often, especially those over 40.
 
He's a big back who won't wow you with agility or speed. He looks like he's still getting things to slow down and running in bursts. He's an interesting back. I roster him but don't love his style. That said, those were some quality runs. Even when Indy had him cold, he got positive yardage.
As a Herbert owner, I am not scared.

As a standalone prospect, I don't see upside.

Yeah, like I said, I get it. He's not a home run hitter nor particularly agile. His style isn't going to wow someone with highlights. But there are things I like. His speed score almost eclipses 100. He's big for his size. His athleticism score is over 100 on Player Profiler. He moves well for his size. He's got a bit of burst when it comes down to it. You can see that when he cuts back or hits the A gap.

He's going to get hard yards between the tackles. Is that too dinosaur-ish for today's game? Could be. I didn't love his highlights, but he wasn't a fifth or sixth rounder and I took him at 2.07 in the rookie draft I did, which is about where he's rated. We shall see.
 
we have a historic class of RBs

I think we sort of do, only in a limited and muted sense. The reverberations from this RB class are being felt in the roster depth rather than the starter depth. These guys are taking jobs. Just not the ones we want for fantasy football.
 
With some remorse, I passed on Roschon with the final pick in the 2nd round (2.12) of our keeper league rookie draft to take DL Will Anderson Jr yesterday.

Our rookie draft is three rounds and the 3rd round is IDP only, so it was the last pick you could take an offensive player. Made the decision to take Anderson Jr. and LB Jack Campbell at 2.12 and 3.01 because I knew they'd go immediately after if I did not. Made the decision based on the idea that I should be able to get Roschon relatively cheaply in our veteran auction next weekend instead (and still roster the top 2 IDP's). Had I picked Roschon at 2.12, I had no shot to get both Anderson Jr. and Campbell (the consensus top 2 IDP's).

We'll see how it works out. I'm not 100% convinced of Roschon's talent level but still want to roster him as a lottery ticket... he appears clearly better than Foreman at this stage and more well rounded than Herbert. I do think Herbert is the early down back and sees the majority of the carries between the 20's this season. While I expect Roschon gets a good portion of the 3rd down work and spells Herbert a drive here and there. Fingers crossed Roschon's hype doesn't build between now and the regular season.
 
While I am intrigued by Roschon, I think massraider's caution on the rookie RB class (Roschon included) is well advised. Experience is an underrated trait. And that goes for fantasy owners as well as NFL players. Something massraider has... and perspective. I know this from often learning things from his posts over the years here. Information man... there is no expiration date.

I do think Roschon sees more playing time early than your typical mid-round rookie RB. His ability in pass protection, in particular, and solid all around skill set should lend to early opportunities. Possibly even the 3rd down back role. But if the talent level isn't high enough, if he doesn't have juice... that opportunity will likely be short lived. His playing time will eventually reflect that and they will draft over him next year... or the following year.
 
While I am intrigued by Roschon, I think massraider's caution on the rookie RB class (Roschon included) is well advised. Experience is an underrated trait. And that goes for fantasy owners as well as NFL players. Something massraider has... and perspective. I know this from often learning things from his posts over the years here. Information man... there is no expiration date.

I do think Roschon sees more playing time early than your typical mid-round rookie RB. His ability in pass protection, in particular, and solid all around skill set should lend to early opportunities. Possibly even the 3rd down back role. But if the talent level isn't high enough, if he doesn't have juice... that opportunity will likely be short lived. His playing time will eventually reflect that and they will draft over him next year... or the following year.
I think his biggest problem for 2023 is two solid veterans ahead of him. One that does the same things Johnson does. I don’t think beating out Foreman is insurmountable- but playing behind Herbert and Foreman all season seems possible as well.
 
I think massraider's caution on the rookie RB class (Roschon included) is well advised

Oh, sure. We're going to find out when roster cuts come out regardless, so it's not worth too much discussion. I just think you'll see a bunch of this class on rosters. That doesn't mean they're a wonderful class or anything, but that they're pretty deep.

I'm really not hyping this class. If anything, I slagged it from the jump. if you read my posts on the board, you'll find that I suspected it was overhyped from as early as last year, and I was right. I could do a victory lap with all my quotes about it. That said, I was disappointed on draft day but have adjusted what I thought about the depth of this RB class. Abanikanda in the fifth told me all I needed to know.
 
I'm really not hyping this class. If anything, I slagged it from the jump.
My brother is a hunter, and the first day of shotgun season, the young hunters are all jumpy and excited. Apparently, it's called Buck Fever.

I think the fantasy world has a little Buck Fever going on.
 
Everyone should get their eyes checked every so often, especially those over 40
Either people are suffering from confirmation bias, or we have a historic class of RBs this year
You said you own Herbert and came in the Johnson thread to say he's a scrub. Seems a little biasy.

I don't think this year's RBs are getting insane hype. People are saying they look solid because they have. No more no less.
 
You said you own Herbert and came in the Johnson thread to say he's a scrub. Seems a little biasy.
Not what I said.

I'm checking out RJ because I need to know if I should be worried as a Herbert owner.

When I owned Mark Ingram, I checked out Kamara, and got worried.

Herbert is not a blue chipper, someone could take his job. Based on what I've seen, I feel the same about Herbert as I did before the draft. RJ could show a lot more moving forward, and be the guy. But I can only go by that I've seen so far
 
You said you own Herbert and came in the Johnson thread to say he's a scrub. Seems a little biasy.

massraider is many things, but I don't think biased is one of those things. I mean, we're all human, but I'm not sure that's entering too much into his assessment. I think if I hadn't followed Johnson and his draft capital and scouting that I might come away with mass's conclusion based on the highlights alone.
 
You said you own Herbert and came in the Johnson thread to say he's a scrub. Seems a little biasy.
Not what I said.

I'm checking out RJ because I need to know if I should be worried as a Herbert owner.

When I owned Mark Ingram, I checked out Kamara, and got worried.

Herbert is not a blue chipper, someone could take his job. Based on what I've seen, I feel the same about Herbert as I did before the draft. RJ could show a lot more moving forward, and be the guy. But I can only go by that I've seen so far
You may want to check Herberts pass blocking and receiving...you may get a bit worried when you figure out roschon does those things very well.
 
Seems like a guy you stash with the hopes mid season he's either carved a role out or freeman and/or Herbert are injured. Don't see much upside early. Maybe you luck into a stud down the stretch but you'll have to roster him for 7-10 weeks to get there.
 

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