Finding NFL comparisons for Chicago Bears RB Khalil Herbert
After finding NFL comparisons for the Chicago Bears offensive linemen, we will now look to their skill players. From a physical perspective, you can typically get an understanding for the type of player you will be working with by looking at it from this angle.
What does that mean for Khalil Herbert? We will look at running backs that feature similar size and athleticism. Take a look at the profile of Herbert below.
Herbert is shorter and thick but has great speed and agility. However, he is not overly explosive.
With these metrics below, we can sort out players who have entered the NFL with a similar ability to Khalil Herbert
Height: 5’8″-5’10”
Weight: 207 pounds- 216
40: 4.45-4.55
Vertical: 30.5-37.5
Broad: 115-121
With those metrics, we were able to nail down a list of running backs who have similar profiles.
At the top of the list, we see big names such as DeAndre Swift, Dalvin Cook, and DeAngelo Williams. Those are obviously great outcomes, but these backs went in the first two rounds for a reason. They were elite in college, while Herbert had one breakout season after transferring from Kansas. He fell to round six for a reason.
Factoring in draft capital for Khalil Herbert comparison
When we factor in draft capital, we get a more realistic view. Let’s take players taken on day three of the draft.
Bilal Powell, Tashard Choice, Kenneth Dixon, DeAndre Washington, Cameron Artis-Payne, Elijah McGuire, Myles Gaskin
These names are certainly more reasonable outcomes for Khalil Herbet, but if you play fantasy football you know that these players can step in as a depth back up and keep the train rolling if needed. That is not what Chicago was getting from UDFAs such as Artavis Pierce and Ryan Nall.
Even in the case of Gaskin, he is currently the starter in Miami. Still, Powell is a great comparison as a back who is not overly explosive but can hit the big play. He continued to stick around due to versatility, special teams, and being a fast change of pace backup who could pick up quick yards. Powell is not an elite back but would be a great outcome for Khalil Herbert.