Bears Draft Targets – RB

Third Round:

6.) Jeremy McNichols, Boise St (5’9, 207) – The 5th leading rusher in FBS right now, McNichols already has 1,369 yards and 22 total touchdowns. His elite balance and hard-nosed running style make up for a lack of size and his shifty moves on the second level give McNichols plenty of big-play potential.

While he lacks ideal size for an NFL workhorse, McNichols gains plenty of yards after contact. He has excellent hands as a receiver with 97 career catches for 1,043 yards and 11 TDs. McNichols running style reminds me a bit of Maurice Jones-Drew and he should excel in the zone-blocking scheme that the Bears use often. He would be a good fit as a 3rd down back but is tough enough to be an every-down back if needed.

7.) Sony Michel, Georgia (5’11, 212) – At most schools Michel would have been a featured back two seasons ago, but Michel has shared a backfield with Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb. He’s been the backup his whole career, but has flashed legit NFL talent when given a chance to play.

Michel has great speed (4.46) but looks even faster than that on the field. The junior back has averaged 5.4 yards per carry for his career and almost 10 yards per catch as a receiver. Michel is a smooth runner with deceptive speed, great change of direction ability, an extra gear in the open field, and enough strength to run through arm tackles.

A lack of ideal size and his soft hands out of the backfield will likely relegate Michel to 3rd down back duties at the next level, but he could be one of the better ones right away. His open field moves are a constant highlight reel and Michel has enough bulk to hold up at the next level. Like most players on the list from this point on, Michel would be an ideal complement to Jordan Howard.