Chicago Bears Round 6, Pick No. 217 via SEA
Ryan Pace decided to trade back this time. He added pick no. 217 and 250 from the Seattle Seahawks giving up pick no. 208. Pace kept the theme going too as he added more firepower and explosiveness to this already impressive offense adding running back and kick returner, Khalil Herbert.
Herbert is a very well-rounded running back. He has a nice blend of strength, size, and blazing speed that makes him a difficult player to take down. After essentially getting beaten out by Pooka Williams at Kansas, Herbert graduate-transferred to Virginia Tech and burst onto the scene rushing for over 1,100 yards in 11 games. He posted an impressive 7.7 yards per carry. Additionally, Herbert returned kicks averaging 26.5 yards per kick return.
Herbert essentially is the Cordarrelle Patterson replacement. As Patterson was a running back last season and obviously returned kicks, Herbert likely will compete to fill that hole left by the All-Pro returner. He adds more depth to an already impressive backfield and creates another home-run hitter for the Bears’ offense as well.
Grade: A-
Finding a Patterson replacement and a player who was considered a solid running back in the sixth-round is impressive. He fills an immediate need and should be an instant contributor to special teams.