Chicago Bears Draft Profile: RB Jeremy Langford

With the Chicago Bears coming off one of the team’s strongest drafts in years, Bear Goggles On is evaluating the team’s draft picks and undrafted free agents who have a shot at making the 2015 roster. The team is looking at a series of changes as it switches from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense and transitions back to an offense focused on running the football, so there could be significant turnover.

RB Jeremy Langford, Michigan State

Attributes:

Height/Weight: 6’/208

40-time/10-yard-split: 4.42/1.56

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Jeremy Langford runs with the ball in a drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Bench reps: 19

Vertical/Broad jumps: 34 ½”/ 9’10”

2014 Stats, Honors:

Carries: 276

Yards: 1,522

TDs: 22

Rec: 11

Yards: 62

Honorable Mention All-Big Ten

Contract status

Signed four-year contract

Overview

Langford (and running back in general) wasn’t on my radar as a glaring need for the Bears, but the Michigan State workhorse was a good pick-up, particularly in the fourth round. Langford has spent the past two years playing against top-notch competition and ripping up Big Ten defenses, with his solid 2013 season (292-1,422-18) followed up by an even better 2014 (276-1,522-22).

With the Bears transitioning back to a running-based offense and Matt Forte’s future with the franchise uncertain due to his contract status, Langford was a logical selection for the Bears. He’s proven he can carry a heavy load after two years as the feature back in Michigan State, but was scarcely used in 2011 and 2012. The good thing is that with the Bears, particularly this season, he won’t be asked to carry a heavy load. At most he’ll likely be the Number 2 back behind Forte, splitting carries with either Ka’Deem Carey or Jacquizz Rodgers. Since Coach John Fox tends to prefer backfield by committee, Langford should get plenty of carries without being overused.

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Jeremy Langford (33) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Baylor Bears in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

In its review of Langford, NFL.com complemented Langford’s footwork and pass protection, but offered the following critique:

“Not a physical runner. Broke very few tackles this year and churned out pedestrian yards after contact. Gains extra yards by sliding laterally out of tackles rather than leg churn. Lacks commitment between the tackles.”

Watching clips of Langford play at Michigan State, I’m not sure I agree with that analysis. While he’s not a bruiser, Langford shows good drive and an ability to break arm tackles en route to longer gains. I didn’t notice any lack of commitment between the tackles, either, and find it difficult to believe that if a running back lacked commitment between the tackles, that his team would give him more than 275 carries in back-to-back seasons.