Matt Nagy Tells Wild Story About How Good Jaylon Johnson Is

One of the biggest competitions in Chicago Bears training camp rests at cornerback. With Prince Amukamara gone, a search has continued to find his replacement opposite Kyle Fuller. With Artie Burns out with a torn ACL, the battle has shrunk to Kevin Toliver against rookie Jaylon Johnson. Toliver has the advantage of experience in this defense while most feel Johnson is the more talented option. So where does head coach Matt Nagy stand?

He won't be the one making the choice. That rests with defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano. However, it's clear enough who has left a bigger impression. In his recent press conference, Nagy was asked whether he felt Johnson was up to speed enough after starting slow in camp two weeks ago. By the sound of things, the head coach was blown away by how rapidly the 2nd round pick has adjusted.

He even had a story to help explain.

"No, he's ready. I really feel like he's ready...You remember the pick he had on Foles? I don't know if I told you that story. So that was a veteran move that he made on that play. A lot of other rookies at that point in time would play it a little different. Without giving away too much stuff within the play? That was all instincts. That play he made was all instincts.

As a matter of fact, Nick said he asked him after that play later in the series, 'How did you know that play was coming?' and he said, 'It was just instincts.' Nick was surprised because he though maybe his defensive coaches were scouting the play and telling him to maybe fall off and make that pick. It was all instincts."

Jaylon Johnson is undoubtedly fueled by disrespect

This isn't anything new. Johnson himself has spoken with a self-confidence that is expected from cornerbacks. Some call it cockiness but the reality is the best corners in the NFL all come across that way. It's almost a necessity in order for them to handle what is probably the most difficult job in professional football. They need to be self-assured. This way they can handle getting beaten in coverage from time to time.

So one can imagine he wasn't satisfied when the Bears drafted. Not because he wasn't happy about landing in Chicago. It was more that he felt he should've gone a lot earlier. Considering Jeff Okudah, the 3rd overall pick may not even start the opener for Detroit? It's easier to understand why. He seems to be using that perceived slight as extra motivation.

The Bears certainly aren't going to stop him.