Brandt places Jaylon Johnson on his NFL All-Rookie team

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace hasn’t had the best few months from a PR stand point. Both the fans and the media have overanalyzed his roster construction and the Bears recent six game slide has his job status in jeopardy.

But the Bears have bounced back with two wins in a row, which has them back in the playoff conversation, and this week Pace’s first two picks in the 2020 draft have received some NFL.com accolades. A couple days ago we brought you the news that tight end Cole Kmet made David Carr’s All-Rookie Offensive Team, and now Gil Brandt has placed Bears’ cornerback Jaylon Johnson on his All-Rookie Defensive Team.

Here’s what Brandt had to say.

Starting opposite standout cornerback Kyle Fuller in Chicago, Johnson no doubt knew he was going to be tested by rival quarterbacks from the jump — but he’s proved up to the challenge. With 15 passes defensed, Johnson ranks first among rookies and is tied for fourth overall. The only disappointment on his ledger is the absence of a pick. Johnson missed last Sunday’s win over Minnesota with a shoulder injury, but he’s shaping up to be a very, very good NFL player.

Like all corners, Johnson gets beat on occasion, but the rookie will only get better as he hones his skills and learns the intricacies from all the receivers he’s facing.

With Kmet and Johnson playing well, and Darnell Mooney breaking Chicago’s rookie wide receiver records, this draft class is shaping up to be a solid one for Pace.

But will it be his last one?