One thing that NFL players have said in the past is one can tell from their perspective almost instantly whether or not a rookie has the capability to hang at the pro level. Former Green Bay Packers guard T.J. Lang said the first practice tells it all right away. That is why it was interesting to hear Chicago Bears left tackle Charles Leno Jr. offer his opinion on the team’s recent draft class. While obviously having not seen any of the rookies in practice yet, he’s kept himself informed on what they might bring to the table.
During an appearance on the Gottem podcast, he was asked which rookie he was the most excited to see play in a Bears uniform. Leno didn’t take long to provide an answer.
“Actually our cornerback, Jaylon Johnson. He’s the kid from Utah. Yeah I really, really dig his highlight tape just looking at him. He’s a player. He can play some ball. So I’m really excited to see him play.”
Remember that Leno has a pretty well-educated eye at this point. He’s played in the NFL for a long time and seen his fair share of good cornerbacks. For him to single out Johnson like that is a welcome sign that the Bears might’ve scored big with that 2nd round pick.
Charles Leno seems to see what experts are talking about
It’s a testament to how good Johnson played at Utah that Leno, an offensive guy, singled him out. The truth is almost every draft expert has stated the cornerback was the best pick the Bears made. Somebody who should be a starter immediately and has a chance to equal or surpass what Kyle Fuller has done for the team in his career. Certainly high praise. Johnson is smooth, athletic, tough, and physical. He relishes the opportunity to cover the best receiver on every opposing team.
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If he plays up to that potential, the Bears defense has a chance to remain among the best in the NFL for a long time to come what with Eddie Jackson and Roquan Smith all still relatively young as well. Not to mention Eddie Goldman. It’s little wonder people are so excited about the potential of the 2020 defense. Johnson has a chance to contribute right away but he’ll have to earn his spot. Veterans Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson, Artie Burns aren’t likely to let him just take the job outright.