Roschon Johnson’s rookie campaign was a bit of a mixed bag but mostly disappointing from a fantasy perspective because he failed to emerge as the leading ball carrier behind the likes of Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman.
After the Chicago Bears aggressively went after a running back early in free agency, does Johnson still have fantasy football upside as a complementary piece entering the 2024 NFL season?
Roschon Johnson’s 2024 Fantasy Outlook
- Total Fantasy Points: 127.0
- Rushing Yards: 437.7
- Rushing TDs: 2.5
- Receptions: 42.3
- Receiving Yards: 259.9
- Receiving TDs: 0.2
These are PFN’s consensus projections, correct as of August 15. The most up-to-date projections can be found in our Who Should I Draft Tool.
Should You Draft Johnson This Year?
Transparency is always key in the fantasy football industry. Admittedly, I was confident Johnson was going to supplant Herbert atop the Bears depth chart at some point in the middle of last season. While there were encouraging flashes from time to time, Johnson failed to live up to my expectations.
Was Johnson a complete scrub when he was given opportunities in 2023? Absolutely not. His 561 total yards and two scores on 115 total touches (4.35 yards per carry) proved he can contribute on all three downs with ample-enough efficiency when on the field. Yet, Johnson never saw 10 carries or rushed for over 40 yards in a single game last year.
The Bears simply didn’t see enough from Johnson his rookie year, which prompted the organization to add RB D’Andre Swift very early in free agency, signing him to a three-year deal to bolster a backfield that felt like a true committee last year.
Sure, Swift will undoubtedly have the inside track to the leading role in this backfield. It doesn’t help Johnson’s outlook either that Swift is a more dynamic weapon in the passing game — which could limit the second-year back’s opportunities to see the field.
One aspect that could still get Johnson consistent snaps this year is his excellent chops as a pass protector. In this regard, Johnson was as good as advertised — which could open a door to a consistent role if Swift or Herbert struggle in this capacity.
Johnson’s RB47 overall finish as a rookie and the addition of a productive veteran lowers his fantasy ceiling entering the 2024 campaign, but a second-year back who flashed some encouraging signs as a rookie still warrants some consideration at the end of your draft.
Johnson’s ADP at No. 181 overall in the 16th round as the RB59 off the board means he is going undrafted in some cases. For some additional context, he is currently being drafted after rookie running backs Braelon Allen, Ray Davis, and Bucky Irving.
Johnson’s situation is the biggest deterrent to his chances of seeing a sufficiently expanded role to be a viable Flex option in 2024. The presence of Swift and Herbert simply makes this situation a bit too crowded to projected a meaningful boost in usage this year.
Could something change if Herbert gets traded or an injury to Swift takes place? Sure, but those are things that are impossible to determine. As it currently stands, Johnson enters the year as a RB5 dart throw at the end of your fantasy bench in 2024.
