The longer the Chicago Bears go without making an addition to the running back room, the clearer it becomes that head coach Ben Johnson likes the depth chart as it is. Most already have it in their heads that the combination to watch is D'Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai. One was the starter last year, and the other was the team's only notable addition this offseason. In reality, the name to watch in this unfolding picture is Roschon Johnson. A former 4th round pick out of Texas, he has been somewhat of an afterthought through the first two seasons of his career.
That is not to say he's been invisible. Johnson has managed to carve out a role on offense despite any semblance of an identity. Not only is he the Bears' most reliable short-yardage running back, but he's also their best pass protector and a dependable special teams presence. People haven't envisioned anything beyond that for him in this new offense. The truth is, they may want to start doing so because Ben likely already has a plan. He implemented one a few years ago for someone with a similar skill set.
Ben Johnson undoubtedly sees Jamaal Williams in Roschon.
The similarities are hard to ignore. Williams was a 4th round pick out of BYU in 2017. He had a reputation for being tough and physical as a runner, but not the best athlete. He spent five seasons between Green Bay and Detroit, contributing 500-600 yards and a few touchdowns. Then, in 2022, the first year Ben Johnson was in charge, he exploded for over 1,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. He parlayed that into a nice contract from New Orleans. Roschon can do all of the same things Williams did. Johnson brings the same scheme with him from Detroit. Don't forget Swift was on that Lions team in 2022, so it's a safe assumption he might not be the primary ball carrier. It is finally clear why the Bears haven't been eager to make any moves. Johnson already feels he can do something with what he has.
