Chicago Bears fans have to be excited about Bijan Robinson's praise for their new running back.
The Atlanta Falcons broke with recent tradition and gambled on a running back with their top-10 pick when the team selected Texas' Bijan Robinson eighth overall in April's NFL Draft. While many expect Robinson to thrive as a focal point of Atlanta's talented offense, he wasn't the only Texas running back selected.
For the Chicago Bears, Roschon Johnson was their pick at No. 115 in the fourth round. Johnson will enter the season as the third running back on Chicago's depth chart behind two established veterans in D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert.
If Bijan Robinson is correct, however, Bears fans should expect extensive and immediate contributions from their new rookie.
Bijan Robinson has high praise for former teammate Roschon Johnson
"Roschon [Johnson] is the best teammate I've ever had. 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." — NBC Sports Chicago
The Bears appear to not only be getting a talented running back, but also a strong presence in the locker room and a force for good in the community. While Johnson operated as more of a change-of-pace back next to Robinson with the Longhorns, he averaged 6.0 yards per carry in 2022 and showed potential as a pass-catcher.
Neither Foreman nor Herbert are star runners at the top of Chicago's depth chart, and every year we see rookie running backs from the later rounds explode into the national conscience with big performances. If Johnson can thrive in a change-of-pace role early on, it wouldn't surprising to see him gradually work his way up the depth chart as the season progresses.
He will have the luxury of playing next to one of football's most explosive offensive talents in quarterback Justin Fields, an elusive runner in his own right. Fields' nimble feet and dynamic approach will allow the Bears to attack defenses in myriad ways. Johnson is in prime position to succeed for a team with a clear need for more youth in the backfield.
Bijan Robinson will probably be the signature running back from the 2023 draft class, but don't be shocked if his prophecy comes true and we're talking about Roschon Johnson in high regard sooner than later.
