Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Offensive positions
Chicago Bears Draft: Top-five running back rankings
The likelihood of the Chicago Bears drafting a top-five running back is slim, but that should never stop a team from creating a big board of every position before coming up with a final board ranking the 2021 NFL Draft prospects.
Najee Harris, RB – Alabama
One of the bigger, more powerful running back prospects is Najee Harris. Harris is 6’2″ and 230 pounds. That does not slow him down though. He did not run a 40-yard dash at his pro day but has been clocked in at 4.45 in the past.
Travis Etienne, RB – Clemson
My personal number one prospect is Travis Etienne. He has the ability to hit a home run every time he touches the football. He has great vision and balance, plus his pass-catching abilities allow him to be a three-down back.
Javonte Williams, RB – North Carolina
Javonte Williams is a slight downgrade from Najee Harris and Travis Etienne. He is a bruising back who is slightly smaller than Harris. He lacks that home-run speed to pull away from defenders but is able to fight and gain additional yardage. Think of him similarly to Jordan Howard or Chris Carson.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB – Memphis
A running back who might be getting overlooked by many is Kennet Gainwell. My personal fear with Gainwell is that as he adds some size to his frame (needs it), he might lose some of his speed and elusiveness. If he can keep those traits while adding bulk, he will have a chance at being a three-down back. Gainwell has the ability to become a playmaker in this league.
Trey Sermon, RB – Ohio State
Probably the only running back in our consensus top five who is not likely to be a three-down back — at least not right away. Sermon will likely fill in as an early-down back, making him more of a late, second-round or early third-round draft pick. He came on strong this season in some key games for the Buckeyes helping raise his draft stock. Like the other running backs on this list, he has great balance and vision.