5 best running back fits for Chicago Bears

After looking into which backs stand out in specific categories, which five backs would be the best fit for the Chicago Bears?

The Chicago Bears have brought in running backs of all shapes and sizes, and it makes sense, they are looking for a versatile option at running back. After leaving the NFL combine, Dan Durkin of the Athletic tweeted that the back that Chicago will look to the draft has to have the three-down capability, passing game value, lateral agility, which includes breaking runs into the third level. That is a lot to look for in a back.

While none of the backs that the Chicago Bears have shown pre-draft interest in fit the bill and checked every single box, some did stand out as better fits than others.

Running backs such as RyQuell Armstead, and Myles Gaskin were weeded out as incapable options, but a lot of backs presented themselves as strong options as well.

After scoring each area and comparing the results, the following are the five backs who hit the most thresholds and went above and beyond in the most areas that Chicago is looking for.

Alexander Mattison and Devin Singletary deserve consideration later in the draft, but these could be the five backs that the Chicago Bears are targetting.

5. Dexter Williams

To be completely honest, I am surprised that Williams came out checking enough boxes for consideration. Especially after he showed as a near zero in the passing game. However, one of the biggest points to make in his passing game value was that he was fine after the catch, but was not used as a pass catcher in the Notre Dame offense. This is likely one of the reasons the Bears have had so much interaction with him. They are trying to decipher how much his usage was offense-related and how much was Williams related.

Williams also did not break many tackles but did show elusive in his combine scores, putting up very shifty numbers for his size. Where Williams starts to become an option for Chicago is in his burst and three-down capability.

Williams is able to hit holes with burst and decisiveness, and it led to game-breaking runs. He strikes out at times, but the home runs seem to come with runners on base. Aside from having the breakaway ability, he checks in as a heavier back who can find a way to be productive with a bigger workload.

Quick cuts between the tackles, big runs, size, and athleticism that suggest better days ahead in the NFL have Williams as a potential fit in Chicago.