Multipurpose Back Under Contract
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The Bears started Monday's new phase of OTAs with the signing of rookie running back Roschon Johnson.
Johnson, a fourth-round pick and No. 115 overall, had been the only player chosen between 115 and No. 127 who had not yet signed as of Monday afternoon.
The signing means only two Bears remain unsigned, second-round defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Jr. and second-round cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. According to Spotrac.com, only the 41st pick, Arizona's B.J. Ojulari, and the final six picks have signed from Round 2 as of Monday.
Johnson has been labeled one of the best "sleeper picks" of the draft by ESPN analyst Mike Clay and others have called him a steal.
Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 219-pound power runner, was a backup to Bijan Robinson at Texas and had just 392 carries for four seasons but averaged 5.6 yards and scored 23 rushing touchdowns.
The Bears lauded Johnson's all-around abilities at rookie minicamp as a pass blocker and receiver, as well as a tackler on coverage units for special teams.
"I mean he's naturally talented, big, strong, physical, he caught the ball well," special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said. "That's why we like him a lot.
"He can play kickoff return, he can play upback back there and block for a guy like Velus (Jones) or (Trestan) Ebner or Khalil (Herbert). So, I mean, our (personnel) guys did a great job."
Spotrac.com projected the four-year rookie contract for that slot at $4.6 million with a $768,688 signing bonus and 2023 cap hit of $942,172.
Now Johnson joins a crowded backfield situation with veterans Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, Travis Homer and Ebner.
"I don’t know if there’s any team that can rely on one guy anymore with the pounding and the length of the season and all that stuff," Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. "So I think it’s awesome that we have as many guys as we do that we feel we can count on."
Twitter: BearDigest@BearsOnMaven
