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Jordan Howard Could Be Most-Surprising Rookie for Chicago Bears

By Clyde A. Speller

Sep 26, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Jordan Howard (8) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Indiana defeated Wake Forest 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Jordan Howard (8) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Indiana defeated Wake Forest 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the 2016 NFL Draft came to an end, the Chicago Bears walked away with arguably the best draft class in the entire league. General manager Ryan Pace orchestrated a draft plan that filled many needs on the Bears’ roster, and at the same time added top-tier talent. Chicago selected several players that can have an immediate impact on the field in all phases of the game.

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Obviously, much is expected from ninth-overall pick Leonard Floyd. However, the former Georgia Bulldog more than likely won’t be a starter at the beginning of the season, but Floyd will most definitely be a major part in the Bears’ sub packages on defense.

Offensive lineman Cody Whitehair and defensive end Jonathan Bullard are the other draft picks that round out Chicago’s top three selections. Whitehair may have a chance at starting, but will have to beat out veterans Ted Larsen and Manny Ramirez. As for Bullard, there’s a great chance that he’ll find himself behind potential starters Akiem Hicks and Mitch Unrein, while joining the defensive line rotation along with Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton.

Looking at the rest of the Bears’ six draft picks, it’s safe to say that their roles will be as backups at their respective positions as well. But out of this entire draft class, the one rookie that may have the biggest impact on Chicago’s 2016 season could be running back Jordan Howard.

As the team’s fifth-round draft pick, Howard could be the change-of-pace back that the Bears need in the running game. And seeing how Chicago was in pursuit of Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson during the offseason lets us know that head coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains will use a running back-by-committee with the ground attack. Howard’s primary competition this summer will be Ka’Deem Carey. If Howard manages to stay healthy, there is a good chance that he could leapfrog Carey to become the No. 2 running back.

After Pace decided to cut ties with long-time veteran Matt Forte, it was evident that Jeremy Langford would replace him in the starting lineup. Langford proved to be a pleasant surprise in 2015 while stepping in for the injured Forte. His team-leading seven total touchdowns shows that he can definitely put points on the board for the offense, but his 3.6 yards per carry could be more of a reason to have someone help carry the load.

Howard, who averaged 134.8 yards per game for Indiana University in 2015, is a bruiser who runs downhill. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound back is a much better complement to Langford than fellow backup running back Carey (5-foot-10, 210 pounds).

Running backs tend to make the easiest transition from college to the professional level. This reason, along with the fact that Chicago will use multiple backs in their offense this season, gives me indication that Howard will have more than enough opportunities to showcase his skills on the field. Therefore, he could be the biggest surprise out of the Bears’ 2016 draft class.

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