Bears vs. Buccaneers could be coming out party for star rookie Jaylon Johnson

Chicago Bears rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson could make his presence known on Thursday Night Football against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2020 hasn’t been particularly kind to rookie cornerbacks. On top of the struggles with the physicality, speed, and complexity of the NFL, even elite prospects like Detroit’s Jeff Okudah, Miami’s Noah Igbinoghene, and Dallas’ Trevon Diggs have slipped out of the gate. The Chicago Bears can’t relate to those struggled, as they have unearthed a potential gem in corner Jaylon Johnson.

The former Utah Ute has a completion on just 12 of the 29 passes thrown at him in his first four games, and he’ll need to replicate that hot start against the dizzying aerial attack of Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A dominant performance tonight would solidify him as one of the league’s best young DBs and a Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite.

Jaylon Johnson is already a trusted starter on an elite Bears defense

Johnson was the best player in a Utah secondary that also saw safeties Julian Blackmon and Terrell Burgess get drafted and corner Javelin Guidry latch on as a free agent. Johnson might not be the greatest athlete ever or the fleetest of foot, which caused his slide to the second round in the 2020 draft, but he made his name with physical man coverage, and that has translated well to the NFL.

The Bears have plenty of star power on defense, and a good chunk of it is up front given the likes of Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks and Roquan Smith in that front seven. However, their secondary has quietly become one of the league’s best, as Johnson emerging as a quality starter and pairing with studs like Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson make Chuck Pagano’s unit as tough to throw the ball against as any in the league.

As long as Nick Foles and the offense don’t completely implode, Chicago’s defense should be tough enough to keep the, in the playoff hunt. While the front seven will get most of the attention, the Cubs might have a perennial Pro Bowler on their hands in Johnson.