Bears' Rookie Running Back History Favors Roschon Johnson

The Chicago Bears returned to practice on Monday following their 23-17 win at home over the Tennessee Titans in their first preseason game of 2023. Many of Chicago's rookies stood out, including rookie running back Roschon Johnson, who was drafted in the fourth round in this year's NFL Draft. Johnson stood out with the longest run of the game for a Bears' ball carrier. As a rookie, he could be destined for significant success this season based on the franchise's running back history.

Chicago Has Had A Long List Of Rookie Running Backs Experience Success Instantly

There was a lot of hype with general manager Ryan Poles' selection of Johnson in the 2023 NFL Draft, as many draft analysts believe that the rookie could be one of the steals of the draft. One of the main reasons for the Texas Longhorn's running back falling to the fourth round was because of playing behind All-American Bijan Robinson, the best running back in the draft. Johnson, against the Titans on Saturday, rushed for 47 yards on four attempts.

Although the Bears have tremendous depth at the halfback position with Johnson, Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, and Travis Homer, if the rookie becomes the feature back for Chicago's offense, it could result in a very historic 2023 season. Throughout the franchise's history, the Bears have had a slew of rookie running backs have success in their rookie campaigns, including Gayle Sayers, Rashaan Salaam, Anthony Thomas, Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen.

Sayers' 1965 rookie campaignwas historic as he set a then-NFL record for most touchdowns in a season with 22 while being named Offensive Rookie of the Year, named to the Pro Bowl, and was named an All-Pro. He would also set the single-game record for most touchdowns during his rookie season with six against the San Francisco. Sayers went on to be one of the greatest NFL running backs of all time and would be viewed as the offensive player in Bears' history if not for the legendary Walter Payton.

Several rookie running backs for Chicago have won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in their respective first seasons in the league. Salaam and Thomas rushed for over 1,000 yards in their rookie seasons and received the honors in 1995 and 2001. The two rookie running backs contributed significantly to their teams having winning records.

In 2008, Chicago drafted Forte in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft to replace the former first-round selection, Cedric Benson. The former Tulane back would rush for over 1,238 yards and set several franchise rookie records, including most scrimmage yards. Forte caught 61 passes and served as the focal point of the Bears' offense for over seven years.

Former Bears' general manager Ryan Pace would draft a running back in the fourth round in back-to-back drafts as he selected Howard and Cohen in 2016 and 2017. Howard was named to the Pro Bowl and rushed for 1,313 yards in 2016, which is still a franchise rookie record. A year later, Cohen would record over 800 scrimmage yards and was one of the more exciting offensive rookies in recent Bears' history.

Johnson Is Making Positive Impressions During Training Camp

Throughout training camp thus far, the rookie running back has been making significant strides, generating immense excitement for his potential in the offense. Many experts have been impressed with Johnson's powerful running style and ability to excel in pass-blocking. Against the Titans on Saturday, the rookie's 24-yard run had him battling through several defenders before breaking free up the sideline.

Due to his impressive preseason debut, Johnson was rewarded for his effort as he received more snaps with the starters during practice on Monday. Although the veteran running backs on the Bears have specialized traits, the rookie back has a mix of all those qualities. Herbert is a big-play rusher, as he had several rushing attempts over 40 yards last season, but he is a liability as a pass-blocker. Foreman has proven to be a reliable backup ball carrier but has failed to prove that he can be a feature back.

Johnson's potential was hidden in college because he was stuck behind Robinson while at Texas, which could lead to him being an even more impactful player at the NFL level. Although there is a lot of hype surrounding the rookie in the local media, there hasn't been much discussion on a national level. The lack of national attention benefits Johnson because if and when head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy want to make the rookie the feature running back, it could lead to immediate success.

Chicago's starting offense on Saturday demonstrated the potential to be one of the best offenses in the NFL this season, scoring touchdowns on their two offensive series of the day. Although Herbert had a long run-after-catch touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Fields, if Johnson continues to consistently impress during the team's next two preseason games against the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills, the rookie can be set up for the same explosive plays. The Bears have something special with their rookie running back, and given the success other rookie backs have had with the team before, Chicago may have to start him to capitalize on the building potential.