Chicago Bears: What does history tell us about converted running backs?

Recent examples in the NFL:

Ty Montgomery wasn’t a “Chicago Bear killer” to the same degree as say, Ahman Green, but in many ways, the Packer-turned-Saint running back is as close to Patterson as we’ve seen in recent memory. Montgomery is one of only six active players with at least 900 receiving, rushing, and kick return yards, a list Patterson appears poised to join this year.

Montgomery’s position change came out of necessity, after Eddie Lacy’s injury in 2016 — not that you came here for Packers talk. But he’s gone on record in saying it provided him tons more opportunities. He went from 18 touches during the 2015 season to 111 and 94 touches respectively in 2016 and 2017. Last season he had 45.

It’s unclear as to how many snaps Patterson will get for the Chicago Bears, or even where he stands on the updated depth chart. But Ty Montgomery represents an interesting comparative baseline for what we can expect.

Beyond Montgomery, it’s rare to find players that fit a similar lineage. The New York Giants have had undrafted Idaho back Elijhaa Penny play 12 percent of their snaps, and he’s transitioned from running back in college to lead blocker at the professional level, and he’s meandered through both, depending on if Saquon Barkley is healthy or not.