Roschon Johnson Is Reportedly Taking Over The Bears Locker Room

Outside of Darnell Wright, no player in the Chicago Bears' 10-man draft class received more immediate buzz than Roschon Johnson. That seems unusual. After all, he's a 4th round pick for one. Players going that late in a draft don't get the same attention. Then there is the fact he spent his entire college career as a backup to the much more celebrated Bijan Robinson. It seems odd. That is until you start reading up on the young man and you realize this is far from a normal backup running back.

Start with the talent. Despite his status, Johnson was consistently productive at Texas. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry on the ground and caught 56 passes. So his versatility stands out immediately. There is also his ability in pass protection, something even Robinson couldn't boast. Last but not least was the special teams prowess. He was a core member of the third phase.

Yet what sold the Bears the most on him was his mental makeup. Johnson is a great competitor but an even better leader. Everybody at Texas agreed he was the real voice of that running back room. Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower has worked with the rookie for barely a week and already has his own story to tell.

Roschon Johnson is setting a standard.

Bears coaches have constantly made it clear players will be held to a high bar in Chicago. Nobody is excused from that. The standard is the standard. You either meet it, or you won't be around long. Often the best way to make such a culture work is by having players who echo the same message. Johnson is becoming the perfect torch bearer. He has certain expectations, both of himself and his teammates. While his locker room sway is small right now because of his rookie status, the running back is clearly laying the foundation for his future status as a team leader.

Those who know him likely aren't surprised. Roschon Johnson has a personality that others respect. Nobody works or plays harder than him. A big difference is he's willing to voice the same demands he puts on himself to others. Having such players in the locker room is a great thing. Coaches can motivate, but it's often better when the players do it too. That is what made the 1980s teams so successful. Guys held each other accountable. That is what Johnson is on a mission to do.