Jaylon Johnson joined the Chicago Bears barely a week ago and already he’s made an impression. Watch the tape long enough and it’s obvious the Utah cornerback can play. His mixture of athleticism and physicality make for an ideal press corner this defense needed after the departure of Prince Amukamara. What a lot of people weren’t ready for is just how much swagger and self-confidence Johnson brings with him.
As soon as the interviews started to surface, it was obvious he believes in his ability. He felt he should’ve been a 1st round pick. He openly stated his desire to cover Davante Adams in the NFL because he’s an elite route runner. Then he declared his mission is to start, win Defensive Rookie of the Year, and win a Super Bowl on ESPN 1000. During which time he included a swear word for good measure.
If that weren’t enough? Johnson appears to have doubled down. The Bears recently revealed the new jersey numbers for their entire rookie class. Fellow 2nd round pick Cole Kmet went with the benign #85. Not Johnson? He declared his intentions with a far more eye-opening choice.
Jaylon Johnson wants to be as good or better than Tillman
Charles Tillman is the best cornerback in Bears history. It’s impossible to argue. He sits near the top in team history in interceptions and hold the franchise record for forced fumbles. He changed the way defensive backs play football. That is why teammates and those who watched him believes he deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Johnson claiming his #33 is a loud and clear message that he knows who the benchmark is and has every intention of reaching that same level.
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It would be quite the boon for the Bears were that to happen. They still have Kyle Fuller in place who is squarely in his prime. If Johnson ascends as many believe he can, the Bears could have one of the best cornerback tandems in the league. Not to mention Eddie Jackson on the back end. If nothing else, it will be a lot of fun watching him develop.
