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With the draft less than a week away Beargoggleson will continue breaking down a wide range of options for the Chicago Bears in the 2015 draft. We started with the potential first round options, are now profiling some possible day 2 prospects, and will finish up with some under the radar day 3 players who I think could be good fits for the Bears new schemes on both sides of the ball. As always, if you have any complaints, advice, or questions please let us know in the comments or on Twitter.
College Career:
Started his collegiate career at Michigan where he played sparingly, rushing for just 333 yards over three seasons. Rawls had some off-field and academic issues which kept him on the sidelines most of the time, before he transferred to Central Michigan for his last year of eligibility. In 2014 he finished as CMU’s leading rusher with 1,103 yards and 10 TDs despite only playing 9 games. Rawls missed time due to injury and yet more off-field issues, but was very productive when on the field.
Strengths:
Angry runner, who initiates contact with this short, but very well built frame. He’s a powerful back with great balance who can absorb contact and bounce off for more yards. Rawls runs with a consistently low pad level and has deceptive quickness and lateral agility. He has the ability to be a productive inside runner at the next level with enough speed to bounce things outside and decent hands out of the backfield.
Weaknesses:
If Rawls were a saint off the field, he would be a day 2 pick, but he’s not even close. There are multiple off-field red flags including more than one felony charge. On the field there isn’t much not to like about Rawls except perhaps his lack of experience (only 7 starts) and a few fumbles due to his aggressive running style.
Bears Fit:
The Bears have struggled in short-yardage situations for the last 3-4 years at least. Rawls is a powerful runner, whose elite strength and low pad level could make him an effective weapon when the Bears need only a yard or two. He has the potential to be much more than a short-yardage back, but Rawls will have to prove he can stay out of trouble before given a chance to be a lead back.
Draft Projection:
6th-7th round
Highlights: