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Roschon Johnson

Roschon Johnson Player Write Up

Summary

Roschon Johnson is a running back for the Chicago Bears (NFL), drafted in the 4th round (115th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft from the Texas Longhorns.NFL Draft Buzz
Listed at approximately 6′0″ and 219 lbs, he brings a physical, multi-dimensional skill set—including running between the tackles, pass protection, and receiving out of the backfield. Mile High Report
Johnson was not the lead back in college (playing behind a higher-profile teammate) but entered the NFL with the tag of a “three-down” back candidate due to his versatility. Athlon Sports

Strengths

Here are some of Roschon Johnson’s main strengths:

  • Physical runner with size + power: He has the frame and finishing strength to bully defenders, fall forward, and generate positive yards after contact. Mile High Report

  • Good vision and patience: Johnson has shown the ability to read blocks, wait for lanes, and then accelerate through them—rather than always just trying to beat the first man. Athlon Sports

  • Pass-protection and receiving ability: He is willing and able in pass blocking, and shows receiving skills out of the backfield (route running, catching) that increase his value as a multi-phase back. Mile High Report

  • Low wear/mileage and good character: Because he shared work in college and did not carry a heavy load, his legs have relatively low mileage; coaches have praised his maturity, leadership, and team attitude. Mile High Report

Weaknesses

No player is without flaws; here are the key areas for Johnson to improve:

  • Lack of elite explosiveness and short-area burst: While he has good acceleration once going, he is less sharp in his initial burst and change of direction, especially in tight or congested areas. Bleacher Report

  • Limited experience as a true lead back: In college he wasn’t asked to be the primary ball-carrier over multiple seasons, which raises questions about endurance, handling full workloads, and how his game translates when he’s the focal point. Bleacher Report

  • Lateral agility / wiggle and creating on his own: Some evaluators believe he lacks the twitch and wiggle to consistently make defenders miss in space or generate highlight-type plays from nothing. Mile High Report

  • Not a home-run threat in deep space: His long-speed and breakaway-ability are considered good but not elite; he may struggle to flip the field as often as backs with more top-end speed. PFSN

Fit & Outlook

Short-term: Johnson projects as a valuable rotational back in the NFL—someone who can be used on early downs, in short-yardage situations, in passing-down roles, and contribute on special teams or as a blocker. Given his skills, he should carve out a niche rather than be a highlight machine immediately.

  • Medium-term: If he improves his short-area burst, grows more comfortable as a receiver/backfield contributor, and gets more opportunities, he could develop into a reliable three-down back—or a highly effective “2A” in a committee who brings diverse skills.

  • Ceiling & Floor: The floor is that of a dependable complementary back who brings value via versatility, toughness, and blocking. The ceiling is a feature-back level of performance—though probably not a superstar every-down workhorse unless his wiggle and explosiveness take significant leaps.