Chicago Bears training camp: 6 Players hurt by not having a preseason

5. Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback

Another rookie who will be hurt by no preseason games is second-round draft pick Jaylon Johnson. A rookie doesn’t really know the speed or intensity of the NFL game until they play in one, even if it’s in the preseason. The NFL is a different case than what a player went through in college. Even preseason games are a big step up from college.

A rookie has to get accustomed to playing under those conditions. The preseason games do a good job of allowing rookies to shed the nervousness of playing in the NFL. They get their games in and then the game is just another one (except for the first real regular-season game, of course).

Johnson will battle Artie Burns, Kevin Tolive and Tre Roberson for the outside cornerback opposite of Kyle Fuller. The real battle is between Johnson and Burns, however. Johnson was a first-round talent that fell because of injury concerns. Many experts predict he’ll eventually become a very good corner in the NFL.

With the 2020 craziness, though, his time to shine may have to wait.

As with Pierce, Johnson won’t be able to impress the coaches in any game. He’ll have to go all out during camp to try to win the job. Yes, Burns struggled in his time with Pittsburgh, but he knows that as well. He’ll be pushing hard himself.

With all things being equal, Burns has the experience to lean on. Burns isn’t in the Bears’ plans long-term, but if he does well in camp Johnson will have to wait for his shot. Burns starts the season as the starter but Johnson could challenge him for snaps during the regular season.