Roschon Johnson, despite showing remarkable efficiency during his college career at Texas, has struggled to make a significant impact in his first two NFL seasons, lacking explosive plays such as 30-yard runs. This limited rushing style has made him a less enticing option for fantasy football managers looking for consistent upside. With Johnson often functioning as a short-yardage, grinding back rather than a dynamic threat, his fantasy viability comes down to highly specific usage scenarios.
In 2024, Johnson hinted at some value by excelling in short-yardage and goal-line situations, but relying on a battering ram role alone does not promise the kind of volume or big plays that typically excite fantasy drafters. The key question is whether his role as a powerful, short-distance runner justifies selecting him in 2025 drafts, particularly in later rounds where upside is often prioritized.
Targeted Draft Strategy for Johnson
Johnson’s appeal in fantasy circles is best understood as situational and narrow. He is typically drafted in the later rounds—after the 14th round on average according to Fantasy Football mock drafts—where managers have the flexibility to reach for specialized players. Compared to numerous receivers and running backs available at this stage who could offer game-changing potential, Johnson’s limited upside is clear.
Notably, Johnson is not guaranteed to even lead his team in carries if starter D’Andre Swift is sidelined, which dampens hopes for a significant workload increase. Still, some fantasy managers who prioritize secure, situational touchdown opportunities over pure yardage may find Johnson intriguing, especially if their rosters already include higher-upside players and they seek reliable depth.
Short-Yardage Efficiency Highlights
Johnson’s strength lies in his near-perfect execution in short-yardage touchdown attempts. In the 2024 season, he converted six carries from the one-yard line into six touchdowns. This flawless record is especially significant given the challenge of success in such high-stakes situations. Compared to Swift, who has had 12 goal-line carries resulting in six touchdowns but negative total yardage, Johnson has emerged as the favored back in these scenarios.
Warren Sharp’s data on running backs being stuffed for no gain in short-yardage situations identifies Chicago’s backfield as among the more favorable environments for a rusher like Johnson. This stat underscores his value in specific short-yardage and red-zone roles where power and contact yardage are critical.
“rate of RBs being stuffed for no gain in short yardage:
44% – MIA, NE
43%
42%
41%
40%
39%
38%
37%
36% – LV
35%
34% – NO
33% – MIN
32% – SEA, LAC, DEN
31% – CIN, JAX, CLE
30%
29% – IND
28% – NYJ
27%
26% – KC, WAS, HOU
25%
24% – LAR, NYG
23% – BUF, PHI, SF
22% – CAR, ARI, ATL
21%…
” — Warren Sharp, Football Analyst
Limited Carry Volume and Overall Impact
Johnson’s overall rushing volume remains a concern. In 2024, he logged just 55 carries, gaining only 36 yards before contact, a figure that confirms his style involves mostly short, power runs rather than breakaway plays. His longest runs have been modest, illustrating the predictability defenses face—teams know Chicago tends to deploy Johnson in simple dive plays. This is a limited path to fantasy relevance unless there is a sudden shift in his role.
Compared to players like Jaylen Wright, Braelon Allen, or Miles Sanders, who may be viewed as more likely to seize a lead role due to injuries or committee shake-ups, Johnson’s chances of becoming a consistent starter are slim. However, when healthy starters hold their ground, Johnson’s predictable touchdown potential can still make him a source of modest points, especially in deeper leagues.
Drafting Decisions and Roster Context
Choosing to draft Johnson hinges on the type of roster you build and your risk tolerance. For managers who avoid volatile upside picks and prefer more stable touchdown opportunities, Johnson provides a safe floor given his short-yardage usage. However, expecting him to deliver significant yardage or weekly high scores would be unrealistic.
Johnson was handed double-digit carries twice in the previous season, but those games did not feature big runs or yardage gains, emphasizing how his touches depend heavily on game script and short-distance situations. Opting for him is a strategic call: he serves as depth to bridge injuries or bye weeks rather than a core fantasy starter.
Competition and Roster Uncertainty
Johnson’s offseason outlook has grown murky, with rookie Kyle Monangai emerging as a potential short-yardage back in the Bears’ backfield. Selected in the seventh round, Monangai’s presence challenges Johnson’s path to consistent playing time. Rumors of Johnson potentially being cut further complicate his fantasy outlook, given the reduced likelihood that he would find a better opportunity elsewhere.
Frank Ammirante points out that Johnson arrived at the offseason as the “best bet” to back up D’Andre Swift, but now, that certainty has diminished. The risk in drafting Johnson before roster cuts is notable; those waiting until post-cut reports may decide differently once the depth chart stabilizes.
Expert Insight on Roschon Johnson’s Fantasy Potential
Frank Ammirante cautions managers about investing in Johnson currently, noting the risk of roster volatility and emerging competition in Chicago. He recommends that, if Johnson remains with the Bears past the cut deadlines, he could be worth taking in Best Ball formats for his specialized role. Otherwise, Monangai might be the more promising lottery ticket based on his draft pedigree and potential role.
“Considering these circumstances, it’s a bad idea to take a shot on Johnson right now. If your draft comes after the cuts are over and we see that Johnson remains on the Bears, he’s fine to take in Best Ball. Otherwise, if you want to take a shot on a lottery ticket in the Bears’ backfield, go with Monangai, who was drafted by this regime.” — Frank Ammirante, Fantasy Football Analyst
What This Means for Fantasy Managers
In summary, Roschon Johnson’s fantasy football outlook situates him as a highly specialized late-round option with limited touches but valuable short-yardage touchdown potential. His role requires careful evaluation of team health, depth charts, and draft strategy. While he offers a safer bet for goal-line carries, his inability to generate explosive plays or substantial yardage limits his ceiling.
Managers must weigh whether to slot Johnson into their rosters as a niche touchdown scorer or bypass him for backs with broader roles and upside. Given the emerging competition and uncertain depth chart, Johnson’s draft appeal remains situational, best suited for those who value touchdown opportunities over volume and big-play ability in the 2025 fantasy football season.