How ESPN Dropped 4 Names Ben Johnson Likely Has Circled For The Draft
While the Chicago Bears‘ draft prep is a collaborative effort between the front office and coaching staff, many feel that in a decisive moment, head coach Ben Johnson would have the final say. It wasn’t difficult to notice the shift in how the team operated after he came on board last year. The heavy focus on offense aside, the Bears seemed to care more about acquiring the best possible players than about pressing team needs. There is no reason to think that will change this year. The hard part is determining which players Johnson will have circled on his board.
ESPN analyst Matt Bowen provided an unexpected assist. He did a fascinating article covering 100 different superlatives spread across all positions, determining which players in this class are best at specific things. Like any coach, Johnson has certain priorities for what he wants in his players. After reading the article, four names immediately stood out as obvious targets. Two of them are wide receivers, and the other two are offensive linemen. The reasons for them cracking the list aren’t what you think.
Ben Johnson is specific about what he likes best.
Best after the catch: Skyler Bell, UConn
Bell had 833 yards after the catch in 2025, the second most in the FBS behind Miami’s Malachi Toney. Bell has the 4.4 speed, short-area acceleration and open-field vision to turn underneath throws and in-breakers into big gains.
Best perimeter blocking receiver: Makai Lemon, USC
Lemon plays with an NFL mentality as a run blocker, and he’s willing to mix it up between the numbers versus safeties and linebackers. Lemon didn’t have a blown block on 274 blocking reps in 2025.
Best OL handwork: Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
Rutledge is quick to punch in pass protection, delivering strong, on-point strikes to slow down opposing rushers. He’s a technician with toughness and nastiness from the interior.
Most instinctive OL: Logan Jones, Iowa
Jones is steady in pass protection and had experience in a multiple-run scheme at Iowa. He has the field awareness to identify pressure and late movement to anchor the offensive front.
Johnson has told us what he likes through words and actions.
It was evident, dating back to his time in Detroit, that he wanted wide receivers who could do two things: block on the perimeter and make plays after the catch. You saw that with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, then again with Luther Burden. No block, no rock. That is why Lemon will absolutely be a consideration in the 1st round if he falls to #25. As for Bell, he also has sharp route-running skills in addition to his YAC ability, which will only enhance his appeal.
Then you shift to the offensive line. Ben Johnson doesn’t like projects. He prefers young players with strong technical skills and high intelligence. He’d be willing to live with maybe a lack of size or lack of elite athleticism if he knows they will always do the right thing on every snap. That is why the Bears traded for Joe Thuney last year and signed Drew Dalman. Both guys were technicians who operated with consistency. Both became Pro Bowlers. Rutledge and Jones fit those criteria, in addition to being football maniacs.
For the most part, these names will come up on day two.
Right now, Lemon is the only player listed above who is all but certain to go in the 1st round. He’s been slotted in that area since the pre-draft process began. Everybody else is sitting somewhere in the 2nd to 3rd range. The Bears have three picks in that window, meaning they could technically land all three if they’re lucky. Will it play out that way? Probably not, but it would not be a shock at all if at least one of them ends up in a Bears jersey before the start of day three.
Ben Johnson may not wish to tip the team’s hand ahead of this draft for obvious reasons. However, everybody has preferences. It is just the way things are. A head coach wants certain types of players. In his case, he wants receivers who are physical and offensive linemen who are smart. That might be oversimplifying it somewhat, but the basic outline is set. No doubt it’s the same for Dennis Allen on the defensive side. The trick will be finding good players who fit those parameters.