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Chicago Bears roster battle: Ryan Nall vs Kerrith Whyte

By Parker Hurley

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 25: Ryan Nall #35 of the Chicago Bears runs against the Kansas City Chiefsduring a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 25, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Chiefs 27-20. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 25: Ryan Nall #35 of the Chicago Bears runs against the Kansas City Chiefsduring a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 25, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Chiefs 27-20. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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With one game to play, who has the edge to make the Chicago Bears roster between Ryan Nall and Kerrith Whyte?

The Chicago Bears clearly have their top three running backs locked in as they head into the last week of the preseason. However, they are very likely to keep a fourth back.

The decision has seemingly come down to Kerrith Whyte, a seventh-round pick in his rookie year, or Ryan Nall, a UDFA in his second NFL season. Nall spent last season on the practice squad and is looking to make an impact on the roster.

The case for Whyte is simple, though. He was drafted while Nall was not. Nall could not make the roster last season. Whyte is younger, tied to the team longer and has an untapped upside. On top of that, Whyte has untapped speed.

Whyte is known as a speed weapon and had a big return in the preseason, despite it being called back. Nonetheless, we saw that speed and fans are intrigued.

However, while Whyte is fun, his role on the team would be as a return man. The Bears just so happen to have Tarik Cohen and Cordarlle Patterson-two of the best in the game in that area. It is nice to have Whyte as a backup, but a backup kick returner is inactive on game weeks and should make the practice squad.

Where Nall may outlast Whyte this year is versatility. Nall is not as fast as Whyte as a runner. However, he can motion into the slot, into the h-back role, and even as a flexed out tight end. The versatility can give them depth at multiple skill position spots and make him a pseudo fullback. This could help keep Nall active on game days.

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What also will help Nall get a helmet is special teams value. Fans will tell you Whyte gets the nod due to special teams, but as mentioned, his value is in the return game, which is not a need for Chicago.

Whyte has played 19 special teams snaps while Nall has played 35, which highlights his value over Whyte.

On top of that, Nall has played over Whyte, period. Whyte has 46 offensive snaps, to the 64 of Nall. The two have similar rushing attempts but Nall has averaged over seven yards per carry compared to 3.3 for Whyte. Nall also nine catches to the three of Whyte this preseason.

Nall is a better blocker, has caught more passes, and even burst a run into the open field. Combining that with a more experienced special teams player makes it tough to make the case for Whyte.

Whyte is a seventh-round pick who has been slow to pick up the speed of the NFL when it comes to diagnoses. He has value but will be able to clear waivers and learn the run scheme on the practice squad. Next year Whyte can pass up Nall, and he is an injury away from a key role. However, for now, Nall may have the edge.

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