The running back room didn't shake out like fans may have hoped. They had grandiose visions of the Chicago Bears landing a top prospect in the 2025 draft. Ben Johnson would plug that player into his run-first system and turn offense into a clone of what he had in Detroit. As we've learned too many times in the past, the draft doesn't always cooperate. Despite attempts to get a preferred target in three different rounds, GM Ryan Poles never caught a break from the board. This forced him to prioritize other positions, settling for Kyle Monangai in the 7th round to provide some depth. Questions remain about how the running back room will shake out. D'Andre Swift is obviously going to get plenty of work. Then there is Roschon Johnson.
Chicago had high hopes for the 4th round pick out of Texas a few years ago. He's been a solid rotational player for them, providing versatility as a pass-blocker and a short-yardage runner. However, the previous coaching staff never found a way (or tried) to get more out of him. Albert Breer of the MMQB made it sound like that will change under Ben Johnson. They see plenty of value in what the running back offers.
Roschon Johnson finally has his chance.
Ever since he was drafted, something had stood in his way. In 2023, he was stuck behind Khalil Herbert and veteran D'Onta Foreman. Last year, the Bears signed Swift, hoping he'd be their feature back. Now they know that isn't the case, meaning they must assemble a committee to get the running game going. Roschon Johnson has plenty of things in his favor this year. The offensive line has significantly improved with proven veterans at all three interior spots. Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson are proven run-blockers. Then you have Ben Johnson's scheme, which did so much damage in Detroit. Roschon may not be the most creative runner, but he is dangerous when given lanes to hit. His strong, bruising style can wear defenses down. All he needs is the carries to prove it.
