Bears Training Camp Preview: Running Backs
By Usayd Koshul
With the Chicago Bears officially reporting to training camp in Bourbonnais, Illinois on July 21st, it’s time to begin previewing each of the individual positional groups. Today, we look at running backs.
We’ve already previewed quarterbacks.
Running back is arguably the biggest strength on the Chicago Bears roster. Led by a proven presence in Jordan Howard, along with Tarik Cohen and Benny Cunningham, it’s always fair to expect consistent production out of the Bears backfield.
Throughout the 2018 season, it’s fair to expect consistent production once again.
As the roster currently stands, the Bears have six running backs on the roster: Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen, Benny Cunningham, Taquan Mizzell, Ryan Nall, and Michael Burton.
Of the six, two names are locks to be on the opening day roster: Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen. The other four names will need to prove in training camp that they belong.
Up first, is Jordan Howard who is expected to be the Chicago Bears lead running back. Over a two-year period, he’s amassed 2435 yards and has averaged 4.6 yards per rushing attempt.
Tarik Cohen, on the other hand, brings a unique skillset that perfectly fits Matt Nagy’s offense. While his biggest attribute is speed, he has proven that he can be a valuable asset to an offense due to his catching. Last year, Cohen was targeted 71 times, catching 53 passes, averaging 6.7 yards per reception. It’s clear that last year Cohen was not utilized to the fullest and that there is ample room for growth for a player with his skillset.
After Cohen and Howard, the Bears running back room mainly becomes all about depth pieces. Depth in the NFL is valuable for two main reasons. First, depth helps when injuries occur. The Bears have been hit with injuries as hard as any team over the last two seasons, so they understand as to why guys like Benny Cunningham can be valuable.
Second, at any position, players that are mainly on the roster for depth reasons prove to be valuable contributors as their respective positions and be special teams aces.
It’s likely that the Bears go into the 2018 season with three running backs on the roster; Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen, and Benny Cunningham.
Cunningham was rarely used in the running game in 2017 as he had just nine rushing attempts for 29 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per carry. However, as a third-string running back, he did excel in the passing game. He caught 20 passes for 240 yards, averaging 12 yards per reception, meaning that Matt Nagy could decide to keep him around solely due to his pass catching abilities.
Burton, Mizzell, and Nall
For the final three players (Michael Burton, Taquan Mizzell, and Ryan Nall), things are a bit different. At this point, the only they make the roster as backups and special teams players.
Burton’s size (6’0”, 236 lbs) all but ensures he’ll likely be a fullback and only used in goal-line situations. With the Bears having bigger blocking tight ends such as Daniel Brown and Adam Shaheen, Burton doesn’t seem to fit on the Bears roster as the Bears could use Brown or Shaheen in those short yardage or goal line situations.
Mizzell and Nall, if they make the roster, would only see time in the return game. Last year, Eddie Jackson and Tarik Cohen were in the return game. With both set to be starters, the competition is wide open. Mizzell was picked up in early September last year after being cut by the Baltimore Ravens and made the Bears 53 man roster.
Nall was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He never once had a thousand yard season at Oregon State but did manage to do just enough to become a training camp body. His numbers show that he has the potential to be an effective third option down the road, but at this point, it’ll likely be a year or two until he fulfills that potential.
It’s easy to see Mizzell and Burton being cut, but Nall being signed to the practice squad. This gives the Bears a potential hidden gem as they’ll have time to see how Nall progresses, meaning he could be on the 53 man roster in 2019. If not, they can move on from him at any point during the 2018 season or even the 2019 offseason and not lose any money.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the level of versatility that each running back brings makes this position group a strength on the team. A speedy, change-of-pace back like Tarik Cohen is the perfect complement for a power runner like Jordan Howard. While the passing catching skills that Benny Cunningham brings only make this group stronger.
Taquan Mizzell, Ryan Nall, and Michael Burton are on the roster bubble. The three bring skills such as speed, pass catching, and blocking. However, they do not seem to be as expendable as the Cohen, Cunningham, and Howard. As a whole, the Bears offense is going to be deeper and more intriguing this upcoming year. With the recent roster turnover, it’s hard to envision any of the three on the roster in 2018.