“Just from last year, the game naturally slows down, getting that year under your belt,” Johnson said. “For me, just my body is more at ease. My mind is more at ease, being able to see things, being able to have better eyes and just a better understanding of what the offense is trying to do and just how the defense works as well. It’s just easier mentally, which allows my body to be able to play a little faster.”
Jaylon Johnson at Utah
As a freshman in 2017, Johnson started in two of the 12 games that he played in. He finished with 25 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 6 pass breakups.
In 2018, Johnson started in all 14 of Utah’s games and was named first-team All-Pac-12. He finished the season with 4 interceptions, 41 tackles, and 4 pass breakups.
In his final year with the Utes, Johnson was once again named first-team All-Pac-12 as well as an All-American. He started in 13 games before sitting out the Alamo Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft. During his junior season, Johnson had 11 pass breakups, 13 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and 36 tackles.
Jaylon Johnson with the Chicago Bears
Following his time at Utah, Johnson was selected by the Bears with the No. 50 overall pick during the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
As a rookie last season, Johnson recorded 44 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, and 15 pass breakups in 13 games.
Johnson and the Bears begin the 2021 schedule against the Los Angeles Rams on September 12. The game will broadcast on KSL TV.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
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