The Chicago Bears are set when it comes to starting running backs. However, they will have to add depth at some point. What will they look for?
Some are going to read the headline and completely disregard the idea. The Chicago Bears have Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen atop of the depth chart, running back is the least of their concerns. While that is true, it is not necessarily a good thing that Taquan Mizzell is the only other back currently on the roster. Mizzell spent the 2017 season on the Bears roster but was only active for three games.
Having four running backs on the roster last season combined with the fact that Mizzell has yet to make an NFL carry would put in the idea that the team will add least one more before the season, but also two or three more to take training camp repetitions. The Bears have three options moving forward to add to this position.
Pre-Draft Free Agency
This is the more likely scenario. As mentioned, there is no experience in the depth of this group. Adding a back who at least can carry himself professionally if an injury were to strike would be needed.
Mizzell profiles as a pass-catching back, and could be an easy Cohen replacement. However, relying on Cohen and Mizzell to replace Jordan Howard if an injury were to strike would be a tall task. Some backs who could work between the tackles include Alfred Morris, Adrian Peterson, Orleans Darkwa, Stevan Ridley, and Thomas Rawls.
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NFL Draft
This is the least likely scenario to add a running back. The draft is about betting on high upside and starter potential. Even seventh-round picks should be depth picks, but in an area where he could potentially see starting time soon.
This is not a deep draft and it is deep in the running back class. There is a chance that later in the draft the Bears are taking the highest graded player who just so happens to be a running back. However, if they bypass adding a depth back before the draft, they should look to an undrafted free agent.
Undrafted Free Agent
Let’s face it, the running back position is devalued. On top of that, the deep running back class is going to leave the Bears the option of heading into the draft without another running back. The Bears can take one late, or due to the depth of the class as a whole and the devaluation of the position, good running backs are going to be undrafted free agents. The Bears are likely going to be able to winners in this area due to their lack of need. They can sit back and choose from a pool of players without any commitment.
The best idea is for the Bears to bring in a power back on the cheap, and a priority undrafted free agent along with a training camp body undrafted free agent to compete for one spot in camp.