NFL Draft expert urges Chicago Bears to select hard-charging running back on Day 2

NFL Draft Expert Urges Chicago Bears to Select Hard-Charging Running Back on Day 2

As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the Chicago Bears and their strategy to continue building their roster under General Manager Ryan Poles. With a significant number of holes to fill, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, the Bears are poised to make pivotal decisions in the upcoming draft. However, amidst the high-profile debates surrounding positions like offensive line and wide receiver, one NFL draft expert has suggested that the Bears should target a hard-charging running back on Day 2 of the draft. This recommendation has stirred considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike, as many believe that a dynamic running back could significantly enhance the team’s offensive identity and help complement the development of young quarterback Justin Fields.

In this column, we’ll explore why drafting a running back on Day 2 could be the right move for the Bears, which prospects could be a good fit, and how this decision would impact the overall roster construction moving forward.

The Case for Selecting a Running Back

The Chicago Bears have long been known for their strong tradition of running the football. From the iconic days of Walter Payton to the more recent success of Matt Forte, the Bears’ offense has often been built on the foundation of a punishing ground game. While the league has evolved into a more pass-heavy affair, the Bears have maintained their identity as a team that thrives when it controls the clock and can dominate at the line of scrimmage. However, despite this history, the team has struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack in recent seasons.

In 2022, the Bears’ running game was primarily powered by quarterback Justin Fields, who set a franchise record for rushing yards by a quarterback and showed his incredible playmaking ability with his legs. Fields’ ability to extend plays and make big runs was a revelation, but it also highlighted a weakness: the Bears lacked a consistent, dynamic running back who could help balance the offense.

David Montgomery, who was the Bears’ primary running back for several seasons, was a solid contributor but often lacked the explosive traits that can turn a short run into a game-changing play. With Montgomery departing for Detroit in free agency, the Bears find themselves needing to address this gap in their backfield. While Khalil Herbert showed flashes of promise as a backup last season, he has yet to prove that he can be the bell cow running back for an NFL offense. To be competitive in the NFC North and make a deep playoff run, the Bears will need more than just a capable backup— they need a true, game-changing running back who can take over games and help take pressure off Fields.

This is where the expert recommendation comes into play. With the Bears possessing multiple draft picks, including valuable selections on Day 2 (Rounds 2 and 3), it could make perfect sense to target a running back early in the draft. With a deep running back class, selecting a dynamic playmaker on Day 2 would allow the Bears to add an immediate impact player without using a first-round pick that could be spent on other more pressing needs like offensive line or wide receiver.

What Does a “Hard-Charging Running Back” Bring to the Table?

When the NFL draft expert calls for the Bears to select a “hard-charging running back,” it’s important to unpack what that term means and how it could benefit the team. A hard-charging running back is one who plays with power, speed, and physicality. This type of running back doesn’t just look to find a gap in the defense— they look to create one through sheer force and determination. Hard-charging running backs often thrive in short-yardage and goal-line situations but also have the capability to break off long runs when given the right opportunity.

For a team like the Bears, who have a young quarterback in Justin Fields and a developing offense, a hard-charging running back could be just what’s needed to give the offense more balance and versatility. Having a running back who can grind out tough yards, break tackles, and control the tempo of a game would alleviate pressure on Fields to make every play with his arm or legs. Additionally, a dominant back would open up opportunities for play-action passing, where Fields could take advantage of defenses focusing on the run game.

In the modern NFL, the need for a true workhorse back is still prevalent, especially for teams that want to build a run-first identity. While many teams have adapted to a committee approach in the backfield, there are still a number of offenses that rely heavily on one standout running back who can carry the load and be a consistent presence. For the Bears, having that player would give them the ability to control the clock, establish tempo, and keep opposing defenses honest.

Ideal Running Back Targets for the Bears on Day 2

Now that we’ve established the need for a hard-charging running back, let’s look at some of the prospects that could be ideal fits for the Bears in the second or third rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. The running back class is one of the deepest in recent memory, and while the first round is expected to feature top-tier talent like Bijan Robinson from Texas, the Bears will likely be targeting running backs further down the draft board.

Here are a few names that make sense for the Bears on Day 2:

Zach Charbonnet (UCLA)

Zach Charbonnet is a powerful, physical running back who excels at running between the tackles. At 6’1” and 220 pounds, Charbonnet has a combination of size, strength, and agility that allows him to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact. He is an ideal fit for a team like the Bears, who could use a back that can churn out tough yards in short-yardage situations while also being capable of handling a heavy workload. Charbonnet has shown he can be a reliable option in the passing game as well, making him an all-around threat in the backfield.

Tyjae Spears (Tulane)

Tyjae Spears is an exciting prospect who brings both speed and explosiveness to the table. Though he isn’t quite as big as Charbonnet (5’10”, 204 pounds), Spears is a dynamic playmaker who can turn short runs into long gains with his vision, quickness, and ability to change direction on a dime. He’s a versatile back who can operate as both a traditional runner and a receiving threat out of the backfield. For the Bears, Spears would provide a perfect complement to Khalil Herbert, offering a more shifty, explosive option who can hit the edge and be a threat in the passing game.

Tank Bigsby (Auburn)

If the Bears are looking for a well-rounded back who can handle a heavy workload, Tank Bigsby might be an ideal choice. At 6’0” and 213 pounds, Bigsby has the size and vision to handle between-the-tackles runs, but he also has the burst and agility to break long runs. Bigsby is a tough, hard-nosed runner who isn’t afraid to take on defenders and keep his legs churning after contact. His ability to be a true bell cow back while contributing in the passing game could make him a great fit for the Bears’ offensive scheme under head coach Matt Eberflus.

Roshon Johnson (Texas)

Roshon Johnson is a versatile running back who played behind Bijan Robinson at Texas but showed he could be a star in his own right. At 6’2” and 219 pounds, Johnson has a great combination of size and speed. He is known for his toughness and ability to grind out tough yards, especially in short-yardage situations. He’s also a reliable pass protector and can catch passes out of the backfield, making him an excellent all-around player who could fill multiple roles for the Bears. Johnson’s toughness and versatility make him an intriguing prospect on Day 2.

Why the Bears Should Prioritize the Running Back Position

While the Bears have numerous pressing needs, particularly along the offensive line and at wide receiver, selecting a running back on Day 2 would help solidify the offensive foundation for years to come. Here’s why the Bears should consider making a move for a running back early in the draft:

1. Alleviating Pressure on Justin Fields: One of the most important factors in Fields’ development is giving him a balanced offense. Having a reliable running back who can dominate the ground game would allow Fields to focus on making plays in the passing game without feeling the pressure to do everything himself. A reliable back would open up more opportunities for play-action and reduce the number of times Fields would need to scramble.
2. Creating a Balanced Offensive Attack: A dynamic running back would help create balance on offense, making it more difficult for opposing defenses to key in on one area of the Bears’ attack. With a potent running game, the Bears could control the tempo and dictate matchups, which would help them keep defenses off-balance.
3. Depth and Versatility: Even if Khalil Herbert continues to develop, the Bears need more depth in the backfield. A hard-charging, versatile running back would provide insurance in case of injury and give the offense different looks, whether it’s in short-yardage situations or as a receiving threat out of the backfield.