3 Running back options to replace David Montgomery in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Ryan Olson
The Chicago Bears for the first time in a long time have some uncertainty regarding their long-term running back solution plan. Despite signing D’Onta Foreman to a one-yearlong-term contract and Travis Homer to a two-year contract, there is not much certainty long-term in that backfield, so drafting a running back could be a plan of Ryan Poles’ come draft night.
Drafting a running back makes all the more sense when you consider the Bears have zero running backs signed past the 2024 season, aside from Trestan Ebner, who will be fighting for a roster spot in training camp. Especially when all signs point towards the Bears being a run-first offense, especially after having the number one rushing season in Bears history, and in the NFL last year. The Bears averaged the most yards per carry and had nearly 300 total rushing yards than the team with the second-best rushing offense last year.
Chicago Bears Honorable Mentions: Israel Abanikanda, Chase Brown
Despite me being a big fan of Israel Abanikanda, all the way since he broke out with the Pitt team that won the ACC with Kenny Pickett. I don’t see how great of a fit he is with this Bears’ team, as his skill set is very similar to Khalil Herbert, and D’Onta Foreman.
Had the Bears not signed Foreman there could be a universe where he fits into this Bears team, but since he lacks a polished skillset in the passing game. I fail to see a universe where he is a good fit for this team, I think Abanikanda may very well have a great NFL career, especially after having a monster pro day, but it might not be with the Bears due to the lack of a fit.
Chase Brown who was the heart of an Illinois football team that was one of the better Illini teams in recent history, is likely a fan favorite among Bears fans since the Illini and the Bears share a fanbase. Even though Brown has big hitter speed and was a bell cow back in college, his problem is similar to Abanikanda’s.
Brown doesn’t offer much diversity to a backfield that lacks diversity, Brown has minimal upside in the receiving game, and in particular, as a third-down back. Brown also had a borderline unhealthy workload in college as he had almost 330 carries last season, which is not ideal as his high mileage could cause injury problems down the line.