Going into the preseason, most people felt the Chicago Bears wide receiver situation was primarily set. D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze were the locked-in starters. Velus Jones was the designated kick returner, and Tyler Scott was showing progress as a possible #4 option with speed. However, don’t forget this team always leaves the door open for others to make an impression. On an exciting night in Canton, Ohio, we were reminded why as at least one player decided to challenge the status quo.
Collin Johnson has always been an intriguing talent. At 6’6, 222 lbs, he was a rare physical specimen for the wide receiver position. He had a productive career at Texas, becoming a 5th round pick for Jacksonville in 2020. Unfortunately, he never got many opportunities. He tried again with the New York Giants a year later but they rarely put him on the field. Chicago signed him as a depth option in October of last season and liked him enough to give him a reserve/futures contract for this year.
On Tuesday night in the Hall of Fame game, he reminded everybody of what he could do, making three catches for 56 yards and two touchdowns.
The Chicago Bears have good reasons to elevate Johnson.
He showed again last night that he could be a realistic threat in the passing game. Not only did he get open with some decent route running, but he also put that 6’6 frame to use, making some tough catches against tight coverage. Yet that alone won’t be enough to crack the roster. Remember, depth players at that position need to do more than catch the ball. Luckily for Johnson, he does have one other strength. He is a strong blocker in the run game. According to PFF, he has a grade of 70+ across the last three seasons, which is considered above average.
Running the football remains a core part of the Chicago Bears’ identity. Having wide receivers who can give that extra block on the perimeter is pivotal. Johnson has the size and experience for that role. That he’s become better at making plays is merely an added bonus. After what he’s had to fight through for the past four years, it is nice to see his hard work yield results.
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