Five Running Backs Chicago Bears must consider if they fall to 87

These are the five running backs that Chicago Bears will want to have fall to them in the third round

This post is going to get a lot of comments saying that these running backs will not be there for the Chicago Bears pick. Based on recent draft history somewhere between 7-8 running backs will  be taken in the first 86 picks.

Most of these five running backs will be gone before the Chicago Bears even get to pick. However, that also means that just one or two teams need to jump on someone ahead of these five, and all of the sudden they start to slip.

So, without getting into the “he will never be there” talk, these are the five best running backs in the draft who fit the Bears needs. If, for any reason, any of these five running backs drop to pick 87, the Bears should make the pick.

These are the five players Bears fans will root for a draft fall.

5. David Montgomery

If David Montgomery were sitting there at pick 87, the Chicago Bears would be hard pressed to say no.

Montgomery is a solid overall running back, as highlighted in our drat profile here. He is a player who could fall because while he is good at everything, some may not think he is great at anything either.

At the very worst, Montgomery is a pass catching version of Jordan Howard. Montgomery has good vision, contact balance, and the ability to work with the ball in his hands.

He does not have deep speed, but neither does Jordan Howard. However, he is not afraid to finish runs, as shown in the play below.

Below is his combine mockdraftable web. It fills out based out where he compared to his peers. Montgomery was not a player who was not going to “win the combine,” as some might put it.

David Montgomery does not have break away speed, and did not test well at the combine in any areas. He also has a heavy workload. With that said, if these factors have Montgomery sitting there at 87, how do the Bears say no?

4. Alexander Mattison

This is the one that is going to surprise everyone. Alexander Mattison is also the most likely to be on the board. While the Bears may even be able to get him at a discount, his value is ranked to where he would be worth adding with the 87th overall pick.

As shown by his measurables he is a big back, but has some movement ability.

The Chicago Bears admitted that they are looking for a versatile back with three-down upside. There are a lot of talented complimentary backs in this class, but not many have the three-down upside of Mattison.

He has the power and between the tackles running nature to get down hill and has the size and handle heavy hits. He can also drag defenders for extra yards.

However, he also can be a finesse runner in open space.

While he can be knocked for playing at Boise State, he led the country in rushing yards against ranked opponents. Mattison was also underrated in his pass catching ability. He caught 27 passes last season and 60 in his career, all coming without a drop.

Mattison also flexed out wide and into the slot to run routes. Not many backs come into the NFL over 220 pounds with the ability to add this type of pass catching work.

His biggest knock would be his breakaway speed. While he did not run faster than Jordan Howard, he has that Howard running style in that he can wear you down and then put you out with a knock out punch. He was able ti put in a 33 yard touchdown in the play touchdown.

Mattison can run between the tackles, he can catch, he can finish runs with power and balance and he had some of his best performances against the best teams he faced. If Alexander Mattison were drafted 87th overall most analysts would call reach, but he may be one of the Bears best options available.

3. Miles Sanders

If you have read our blog over the past few months you would know that Sanders is the back we think fits the team the most. Check out our film review where he tie in his role to the Bears and how he would fit right away.

Sanders was pegged by Mel Kiper as a player that Bears fans should keep an eye on. The Bears met him at the combine, and brought him in for a private workout. Sanders has a pretty solid combine, and tested above average in every athletic category, which has some fans worried he may not fall to 87.

Based on the Chicago Bears interactions with Sanders, the vibe is that if the Bears trade up for any back, it is Miles Sanders.

Still, for as much as we have touted Sanders, and Sanders has been tied to the Bears, he does have flaws. He is a raw runner who is impatient at times behind the line with a tendency to bounce plays outside. He also has a high fumble rate.

These issues will still linger for General Managers, and when it comes time to pick, Sanders may fall to a point where he is attainable for the Bears. No matter the case, Bears fans should be listening for when his name comes off the board on draft weekend.

2. Darrell Henderson

You do not just average over eight yards per carry in your college career on accident. Darrell Henderson is a bit undersized, but this is player extremely explosive with traits that should translate to the next level.

What stands out from his measurables are that despite his size, he has great strength and he has breakaway speed. On video, his two best traits are his foot quickness and elsuiveness. Henderson ranked 2nd in elusive rate and first in breakaway runs according to Pro Football Focus.

Henderson caught 63 balls in his college career without single drop. He brings vision between the tackles breakaway speed and pass catching ability. It would be a pleasant surprise to see Darrell Henderson at 87.

1. Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs has been the only running back that nobody has connected to the Chicago Bears this offseason. That is likely because it is understood that he is the only running back in this class that is guaranteed to be gone by pick 87.

Still, there are questions surrounding Jacobs.

He split a backfield with two other running backs, and while he was the most efficient of the group, he brings durability questions, as he did not stay healthy nor did he show he could carry a seasons workload.

Jacobs was banged up and did not compete at the combine and had a poor showing at his pro day as well. If the injury is an excuse, it still raises questions as to how he is so banged up with a smaller workload. Not to mention he has injury questions before this season.

Jacobs is going to get drafted before the Bears pick in most scenarios, but there are enough questions that you never know.

Jacobs has intrigue because he is so big and can catch. He ranks 3rd in rushes where he goes down on first contact, seventh in elusive rating and 12th in yards per route run. Still, he rated 72nd in breakaway rate, which ties into his poor numbers at the combine.

His upside makes him worth the 87th pick, but his questions do keep him in the discussion for now.