3 under-the-radar training camp battles for the Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears under-the-radar training camp battle: Running back depth

The top-end of the running back depth chart is locked up. We all know that David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert will be the one-two punch for the Chicago Bears this year. However, the backend of the roster is not as easy to predict.

For the first time in a long time, the Chicago Bears will have a true fullback on the roster. This might limit the number of running backs the team can keep on the roster though. If the team keeps four, plus Khari Blasingame as their fullback, then it makes the coaches’ job much easier. Darrynton Evans and Trestan Ebner won’t have anything to worry about if that was the case. However, if the team cannot afford to keep all five of these guys, then we need to watch the battle between Evans and Ebner more closely.

Trestan Ebner brings more versatility to the table. He adds help in the return game and can catch the ball out of the backfield or even lined up at receiver. Although Darrynton Evans also has experience in the return game, he lacks the burst and top-end speed that Ebner brings to the table. With both being similar in size, I’d lean towards Ebner being the guy due to his versatility. That said, Ryan Poles and company might think they can stash Ebner on the practice squad. This will be a close battle to keep an eye on during training camp and the preseason.

Prediction:

David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert are clearly the RB1 and RB2. Khari Blasingame will stick around as the starting fullback. I’m going to give the RB3 spot to Trestan Ebner assuming he proves himself enough in the blocking game. If the team only keeps these four guys, that means Darrynton Evans, former third-round pick of the Titans, is the odd man out.