What the Bears will do at the running back position this offseason is anyone’s guess at this point, but one can assume that drafting one is likely. By Jacob Infante - February 11, 2019
For the first time in years, the Chicago Bears don’t figure to make many big moves in the offseason.
After an incredibly active 2018 offseason which saw them fill nearly every hole on their roster with impact players, the Bears enter this offseason with minimal cap space and no picks within the first two rounds of the draft. Despite their lack of capital to lure in star free agents or elite draft prospects, they will be active as they can be this year.
One of the possible positions that could undergo a facelift is the running back position. Tarik Cohen is a valuable part of Chicago’s offense and special teams unit, but he is the only lock to remain on the roster heading into next year. After an underwhelming season from Jordan Howard, trade talks have picked up as rumors circulate that the Bears could target a running back that better fits their offensive scheme.
My only surprise is that it wasn't Cincy that signed Hunt.
I'll let you click on the guys he suggests to read about them, but here are the names:
Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic James Williams, Washington State Tony Pollard, Memphis Darrell Henderson, Memphis Justice Hill, Oklahoma State Myles Gaskin, Washington
Here are the guys I had suggested a mo' ago regarding RB's in the draft. way to early mind you....WAY to early:
Wes Hills, RB, Slippery Rock Height: 6-2. Weight: 218. Projected 40 Time: 4.50. Projected Round (2019): 2-4. 1/5/19: Hills averaged 7.0 yards per carry in 2018 for 1,714 yards with 17 touchdowns. He also had 28 receptions for 193 yards. 8/28/18: Hills has the attention of NFL evaluators after transferring down to Division II from Delaware. He has a nice combination of size and speed. At Delaware, Hills averaged 6.5 yards per carry for 1,849 yards with 14 touchdowns. Read more: walterfootball.com/draft2019RB.php#ixzz5c7KwUlll
Alex Barnes*, RB, Kansas State Height: 6-1. Weight: 227. Projected 40 Time: 4.59. Projected Round (2019): 3-5. 1/5/19: Barnes ran really well for Kansas State, averaging 5.3 yards per carry in 2018 for 1,355 yards with 12 touchdowns. He also had 20 receptions for 194 yards. Barnes hits the hole with quickness, runs through arm tackles, and picks up a lot of yards after contact. 8/28/18: Barnes is a big back who is a power runner. He averaged 5.2 yard per carry for 702 yards last year after notching 7.9 yards per carry for 442 yards the previous year. Each season, Barnes totaled six touchdowns. Read more: walterfootball.com/draft2019RB.php#ixzz5c7JdMzG2
L.J. Scott, RB, Michigan State Height: 6-0. Weight: 225. Projected 40 Time: 4.60. Projected Round (2019): 3-5. 1/5/19: Scott was injured for a lot of 2018 and missed eight games. As such he had just 79 carries, which he turned into a total of 263 yards - 3.3 average. Scott also had 10 receptions for 95 yards. 8/28/18 According to NFL teams' preseason data provided by team sources, Scott checks in at 6-foot, 225 pounds. He has 32.13-inch arms and 9.5-inch hands. He is said to run the 40 in 4.60 seconds. Scott averaged 4.5 yards per carry in 2017 for 898 yards and eight touchdowns. He totaled 20 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown as well. Sources think that Scott is more than just a power back. They like Scott's surprising speed and believe he has the athletic ability to be more than a North-South runner. He is patient and has feet that can make tacklers miss. He needs to work on his ball security though. Scouts think that Scott could be even more athletic and quicker if he drops some weight. They talk about how Le'Veon Bell was too heavy at Michigan State and became a different player after losing weight at the direction of the Steelers. Scott may not get a lot of notice, but teams are eyeing him as a value pick. Scott ran for 994 yards on 184 carries - a 5.4-yard average - with six touchdowns as a sophomore. Read more: walterfootball.com/draft2019RB.php#ixzz5c7KPZ4zO
Alexander Mattison*, RB, Boise State Height: 5-11. Weight: 211. Projected 40 Time: 4.56. Projected Round (2019): 4-6. 1/5/19: Mattison was a workhorse for Boise State in 2018, toting the ball 302 times for 1,415 yards - 4.7 average - and 17 touchdowns. He also showed some nice receiving ability with 27 receptions for 173 yards. As a sophomore, Mattison averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 1,086 yards with 12 touchdowns. He had 28 catches for 284 yards and a score that season Read more: walterfootball.com/draft2019RB.php#ixzz5c7LZEyFY
None of those guys really stands out to me, as they all have issues with their game or health. There could be a good one in there, but who knows. I know some have talked about RBs being a dime a dozen, and a relatively easy position to fill. But the type RB we need to shine in this Nagy offense is not gonna be a dime a dozen guy. At least I don't think so.
Every person on that list looked like a bit of a risk to be mediocre or a downright disappointment at the NFL level. Of course I'm no scout so maybe there is a gem in there. It will be very interesting to watch what the Bears do here. Maybe the Bears ought to just stick with Howard this last year and then go after his replacement next season.