Making the Case

Sep 17, 2023

2023 (In-Season) | Making The Case For Roschon Johnson

Roschon Johnson has a real chance to emerge as CHI’s best RB & I’m going to explain why.

For starters, Roschon is built like an absolute unit at 6’0 3/8”, 225 lbs.

He has true “workhorse” size.

Roschon was also one of the BEST tackle-breakers in recent college football history.

(See him in the upper right corner of this graph from @fball_insights)

Roschon demonstrated that ability consistently in college & also flashed it in the preseason.

If it weren’t for Bijan Robinson signing with Texas – we likely would’ve seen a lot more Roschon throughout his college career.

Still, even as Bijan’s “backup” – Roschon was a RD4 NFL Draft pick.

& there’s a good chance he’s already the BEST receiving back on CHI’s roster.

Khalil Herbert & D’Onta Foreman ranked 83/93 & 67/93 RB’s in PFF Receiving Grade last year.

& they had just 12 & 9 targets total in 2022.

Roschon looked solid as a receiver in his debut (outside of 1 drop).

& received an 82.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in WK1.

Roschon didn’t see any work until the 2nd half, but it’s clear he’s going to quickly overtake D’Onta Foreman (a reported healthy scratch in WK2).

& he could come for Khalil Herbert next.

At worst, you’re getting a committee-RB with receiving & goal-line capabilities who holds strong contingent value.

At best, you’re getting another high-level starter.

Roschon reminds me a bit of Javonte Williams stylistically (who I also wrote a “case” for).

& I would be paying up for him NOW before his price continues to rise.

I’d sell a 2024 2 for him.

& I’d also SELL other “committee” RB’s like James Cook, Rachaad White, Cam Akers & Isiah Pacheco for Roschon Johnson+