NFL Network Projects A Surprise Chicago Bears Opening Day Starter

The Chicago Bears roster is more or less set. GM Ryan Poles may still make one or two more tweaks depending on what the coaches see in OTAs and training camp this summer. They could still sign a veteran edge rusher or even pull somebody off waivers from another team. Still, it feels like the players they have will be who they go with this season. The remaining questions center around who will start, who will be backups, and who will land on the practice squad. Forthcoming competitions figure to answer those questions.

There are some obvious locks. Justin Fields, D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, Braxton Jones, Darnell Wright, Tremain Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Eddie Jackson, and Jaylon Johnson all stand out as such. However, a few positions could see some unexpected shuffling via competitions in training camp and the preseason. Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Network revealed his projections for the Bears’ starting lineup this season. Most of it was pretty straightforward, with one major exception.

The Chicago Bears love Roschon Johnson.

That has been made clear as day since they drafted him. Scouts were in Poles’ ear constantly about the Texas running back. They felt he had an ‘it’ factor that shouldn’t be ignored. That is before even discussing his diverse skill set. He can be the traditional runner with good power, balance, and vision. He can be a reliable receiver out of the backfield, giving his quarterback a safety valve. Or he can stand in the lane and stonewall blitzers as a pass protector. That doesn’t even account for his ability on special teams.

What Rosenthal says might sound presumptuous, but it isn’t. Khalil Herbert is the primary back right now. That is justifiable. He ran really well for the Chicago Bears last season. D’Onta Foreman is a proven veteran who had a good 2022 season too—going with one of them as the primary starter is understandable. The problem is neither of them offers the same versatility Johnson does. If he can showcase it during camp and the preseason, there is a realistic chance he will get the nod on opening day against the Packers.