Chicago Bears 2015 Draft Prospects : Running Back

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

* The rest of the potential Bears RBs listed from this point on are done so under the assumption that Matt Fortewill be on the Bears roster next season. The “Bears spin” on the rest of these guys is basically the same: RBs that can excel in the short yardage situations that are Forte’s only weakness.

4.) Jeremy Langford, SR Michigan St

Attributes – 6’0, 205, 4.47

Scouting report – Underrated RB who doesn’t have many highlight reel runs but is consistently productive. Langford runs low to the ground, has great balance and the vision / patience to know when to turn it upfield. Langford lacks the open field elusiveness that leads to long runs but always fights for the extra yard and is a workhorse type back that gets better as the game goes on. He’s also excellent in pass pro and can catch the ball out of the backfield which means Langford could contribute right away if needed as either a short-yardage back or an injury replacement.

NFL comparison – Fred Jackson

Projection – 4th round

5.) Josh Robinson, JR Miss St

Attributes – 5’9, 215, 4.53

Scouting report – His nickname is the “human bowling ball” for a reason.. Robinson is short and squat but has great balance and is rarely taken down by just one defender. Robinson has had multiple highlight reel runs this year where he was stuffed in the backfield but bounced off enough defenders to gain positive yards. Robinson is a guy who can be counted on to pick up a yard or two when needed, but he also has more speed than his attributes suggest. I’ve seen at least three plays where Robinson found another gear and ran past defensive backs. Robinson is one of my favorite mid-to-late round RBs and I think he will have value as a least part of an RBBC at the next level if not an outright starter.

NFL comparison – Frank Gore

Projection – 4th round

6.) David Cobb, SR Minnesota

Attributes – 5’11, 229, 4.58

Scouting report – Powerful inside runner who fights for the extra yard and always seems to fall forward. Cobb lacks explosiveness or any open-field shiftiness, but can pick up a few yards in short-yardage scenarios when needed.

NFL comparison – Chris Ivory

Projection – 5th round

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

7.) David Johnson, SR Northern Iowa

Attributes – 6’2, 230, 4.57

Scouting report – Is a good enough receiver that some scouts think he may be better off as an H-back in the NFL, but Johnson has the size and power to be a 3rd down back in the NFL. He doesn’t have many moves with the ball in his hands and is basically a straight ahead runner, but his receiving ability and speed/power combo could make him a valuable situational asset for the Bears.

NFL comparison – Ronnie Brown

Projection – 6th round