



The Bears drafted a Texas running back — but not Bijan Robinson.
Instead of the first-round star, the Bears landed on Roschon Johnson, the Longhorns’ backup and an honorable mention All-Big 12 player last year, with Pick 115. In four seasons with the Longhorns — which comprised only five starts — he ran 392 times for 2,190 yards.
He’ll be part of a Bears running back rotation that includes D’Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert. The Bears signed Foreman to a one-year deal in March after making an offer to David Montgomery, only to watch him sign with the Lions.
The 6-foot, 219-pound Johnson was a four-star dual-threat quarterback out of college but converted to running back as a freshman.
Bears Southwest area scout John Syty said he’s never written a scouting report with greater praise about a player’s character than he did with Johnson. He said Johnson touches on “everything Ryan [Poles] and Matt [Eberflus] are trying to accomplish.” He considered Johnson one of the best special teams players in the draft.
“This human being is wired differently,” he said.
About an hour before the draft began Saturday, the Bears traded out of the first spot in Round 4. In exchange for No. 103, the Saints sent the Bears Picks 115 and 165.