By Blessing 
Ben Johnson faces a challenging road ahead as he takes over as the Chicago Bears’ head coach. One of his first major tasks is adjusting the roster to fit his vision. While general manager Ryan Poles holds the final say in personnel decisions, there’s growing speculation about how much influence Johnson has in shaping the team. Many believed he wanted significant input on roster construction before taking the job, and recent moves suggest his voice carries considerable weight inside Halas Hall. While that level of influence might make some fans uneasy, there’s reason to believe it could be a good thing.
Ben Johnson’s Eye for Talent
If you take Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta at his word, Johnson’s ability to identify talent is an underrated aspect of his coaching skillset. Speaking at a charity golf event, LaPorta shared some insight with Kay Adams, shedding light on Johnson’s role in Detroit’s personnel decisions.
“Of course I’m happy for Ben, he was one of the big reasons that they brought me into the Lions, nothing but respect for him,” LaPorta said. “On Sunday afternoons this fall, there will be friends turned enemies. It hurts, of course. You spend a lot of time with these people, invest a lot of energy, effort, and hard work together. You’re excited he’s going to run his own team, it’s very exciting times for him, but it’s very exciting times for us too as well as we turn to our new coaching staff.”
His comments suggest Johnson had a meaningful role in personnel decisions with the Lions. That influence was evident between 2022 and 2024 when Detroit used three high draft picks on offensive players during Johnson’s tenure as offensive coordinator. Those selections—LaPorta, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs—have already proven their worth. Two have earned Pro Bowl honors, while the third just surpassed 1,000 receiving yards last season.
A Promising Future for the Bears’ Draft
Johnson’s ability to evaluate talent could be a game-changer for the Bears as they finalize their roster. With the draft approaching, key offensive positions such as running back and left tackle could be on the radar in the first round, with tight end being another possibility.
Beyond offense, Johnson’s decision to bring in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen adds another layer of intrigue. Allen has a well-earned reputation for scouting and developing talent, having played a role in drafting stars like Von Miller, Khalil Mack, Marshon Lattimore, and Trey Hendrickson over the years.
If Poles stays true to his word and gives the coaching staff a strong say in roster decisions, the Bears could be in for a stellar draft. The real question now is whether Johnson will prioritize bolstering the offense or take a different approach.