Jordan Howard-Indiana-RB-Grade: (A-)
Jordan Howard is yet another great value pick. Looks like a perfect fit in the Bears zone heavy scheme. While they will run a few man power sets particularly in short yardage situations their base run sets will be zone. He also offers them with that power back to soften up the defenses. While Ka’Deem Carey and Jeremy Langford will run with power none of those are at the size of Howard who can absorb that kind of contact.
Howard Led the draft class with an average of 3.7 rushing yards after contact (per pro football focus) proving the point that he will give the Bears more of a physical back to run through tackles. Absolutely loves contact fitting in with the mentality of the organization of being a physical team in all phases. This should fit right into the vision of the team’s wish of complimentary football between all 3 areas of the team offense, defense an special teams.
In spite of being a powerful human being seeking out contact he is nifty too. Also according to pro football focus he caused 68 missed tackles in 2014 when he was with UAB. That put him at fifth-most in the nation.
He’s also very good as a pass blocker which fits in with his personality as a contact seeker. Will mix it up with blitzing linebackers and defensive backs. Kind of a mystery as a pass catcher though. Graded out positively as a pass catcher, but not a whole lot of action as far as targets and receptions are concerned. That will have to be seen to be evaluated accurately. Had some injury concerns, nothing major or structural, but may need monitoring and should be off set by the way the Bears use their running backs.
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