6 Ryan Pace draft picks in make or break season with Chicago Bears

3. Khalil Herbert

This season may be less of a make or break for Khalil Herbert himself,  but more about how the Chicago Bears view the running back position moving forward. Herbert flashed as a rookie, but now we will see him in a new scheme and a new offense altogether.

Herbert is going to stick around for a couple of more years, but how Herbert does in 2022 will determine what his role is moving forward. David Montgomery will be a free agent at the end of this season.

If Herbert gets a chance to excel, or if the team sees enough in practice that they feel that Herbert could be as good as Herbert, or in a similar tier then they will likely be hesitant to offer Montgomery a contract extension, at least a substantial one.

They can use Montgomery on his rookie contract, let him walk, then use Herbert for the last cheap years of his rookie deal. That is a savvy move.

If Herbert struggles or the team feels that he is only a compliment in the running game, they may extend Montgomery. If the Bears extend Montgomery then Herbert is not going to get enough carries in his final two years with the Bears to prove anything. Herbert could be a starter in 2023, or he could be counting down until he gets a chance on a new team.