clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Bears 2022 OTAs: Jaylon Johnson starts with Chicago’s second-team defense

It seems the Bears’ new coaching staff is making the third-year pro re-earn his stripes.

Chicago Bears v Pittsburgh Steelers Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The Bears began their second week of OTAs on Tuesday and there was no shortage of relevant news, especially for this time of year.

One of the more notable tidbits had to do with Jaylon Johnson, Chicago’s reigning CB1.

Or is he? If we’re going to read the actions (NOT the words) of Matt Eberflus and the rest of his new coaching staff: It seems Johnson has to win back some of the approval he earned over the first two years of his pro career.

One Kindle Vildor next to rookie Kyler Gordon on the Bears’ respective defensive boundaries? Uh, that doesn’t look too great or imposing on paper, if I’m being honest. If it’s a conditioning issue for the 23-year-old Johnson — even in late May — you have to hope he gets back into shape very soon. At the very least, it’s abundantly clear most everyone at Halas Hall is starting with a clean slate. Hey, if you win six games in the prior season that probably should be the modus operandi.

We’ll see where Johnson stands with the Bears’ secondary as the rest of the spring and summer continue to unfold. Call it a hunch but CB1 should be back in his rightful spot (that he has to earn) quite soon.