Undrafted Rookie Chicago Bears Were Excited About Starting To Shine
Sometimes a team needs good luck if they’re going to turn the corner from bottom dweller to contender. That means doing more than just hitting on their high draft picks. It means scoring some late-round picks, or even better, some undrafted free agents. Fans weren’t overly enthusiastic about the crop of names the Chicago Bears brought in this offseason. It was a smaller group than usual and didn’t seem to have any standouts. However, one player appeared to generate a little buzz inside Halas Hall.
That was Oregon safety Tysheem Johnson.
At first glance, you’d understand why he didn’t get drafted. Johnson is only 5’9. The NFL tends to be wary of smaller safeties because of their tendency to get hurt more often. Still, Johnson showcased playmaking skills with five interceptions, 75 tackles, a sack, and eight passes defended in two seasons with the Ducks. There was evidence he could play. By the sounds of things from Bears training camp, it appears Johnson is making his presence known. Not takeaways, but through intimidation.
Depth at safety is a major issue for the Chicago Bears.
They have two starters with questions around them. Kevin Byard is in the last year of his contract. He’s also in his mid-30s. Jaquan Brisker missed most of last season with a concussion and also will be a free agent next spring. The Chicago Bears have Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens as their primary backups. Neither really stands out as a potential long-term starter option. It would be great if somebody offered hope on that front. Johnson has wasted no time staking his claim. The first step is cracking the main roster, which is never easy. Chicago likely won’t carry more than four safeties, which means he’ll have to beat out Hicks or Owens. If he does, it will be a sign of big possibilities.