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The Chicago Bears are in the middle of an important offseason, where they're looking to develop into a contender under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Following a busy free agency that included some big-name additions, including offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman, as well as defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears are shifting their focus toward the 2025 NFL draft.
Chicago has seven draft picks, even after their two trades, including four in the Top 75 -- 10th overall, a pair of high second rounders and a third-round selection.
Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2025 NFL draft. Up next is running back, a position group that is, from top to bottom, one of the deepest classes the league has seen in years, giving the Bears a very good reason to select a prospect to feature in Johnson's offense.
Last offseason, the Bears attempted to make a splash at the running back position in free agency, where a number of quality options were hitting the market. In a pool that featured Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Aaron Jones, the Bears wound up with D'Andre Swift, signing him to a three-year deal worth $24 million. Swift struggled out of the gate, and though he found stretches of success with games totaling more than 100 yards from scrimmage, his inaugural season in Chicago was a letdown. Despite playing all 17 games, Swift ran for less than 1,000 yards as the clear-cut RB1.
Roschon Johnson is entering his third season and has been a middling running back up to this point in his young career. In 2024, Johnson served as the primary short yardage and goal line back, totaling just 150 rushing yards on 55 attempts. Johnson scored six touchdowns, however, showing he's capable of producing in that type of role when healthy. As of now, he's the backup to Swift, but things could change this summer if more competition is brought in.
Travis Homer recently returned to the Bears after testing free agency, re-signing on a one-year deal. Homer could steal some carries if the situation calls for it, but his role continues to be on special teams. Ian Wheeler, meanwhile, missed all of the 2024 season with a torn ACL he suffered during the preseason finale. Wheeler was a favorite on "Hard Knocks" and has another shot at making the final roster when training camp rolls around.
The Bears only lost one player from their running back room, and it was someone who was a late-season addition. Darrynton Evans filled in when Homer was lost for the season, playing primarily on special teams. With Homer back, Evans signed with the Buffalo Bills.
On paper, one could argue the Bears would be fine simply finding another running back in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft and relying on Swift once more to carry the load. Given what transpired last year and coupled with the arrival of Ben Johnson, though, that doesn't seem feasible. Chicago's offense has impact players at the quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end positions. While Swift can be a home-run threat at times, he often gets swallowed up with minimal gains at best. The Bears will need to have a strong running game in Johnson's offense, as evidenced by what he did with the Lions the last two years. Swift can be a part of that, but he cannot be the sole answer.
It is an excellent year to be in need of a running back. The 2025 class rivals years like 2017 (Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Joe Mixon) and 2008 (Jamaal Charles, Darren McFadden, Matt Forte, Chris Johnson). It starts at the top with Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up after his historic season at Boise State. Jeanty carried the Broncos offense to the College Football Playoff, and he has star potential.
If the Bears fail to draft Jeanty or choose a different approach while he's still on the board, they have solid options available behind him. Omarion Hampton is a bruising back who could form a solid 1-2 punch with Swift. Same with Kaleb Johnson, who has a unique blend of vision and strength. The Bears could also opt for one of the Ohio State backs who dominated on their way to winning the National Championship. Quinshon Judkins is a tone setter, while TreVeyon Henderson is a home-run hitter. It would be surprising to see the Bears not use one of their top-three picks on a running back. They could even double dip and take a developmental option on Day 3.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft preview: Where do Chicago Bears stand at running back?
Continue reading...
Following a busy free agency that included some big-name additions, including offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman, as well as defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears are shifting their focus toward the 2025 NFL draft.
Chicago has seven draft picks, even after their two trades, including four in the Top 75 -- 10th overall, a pair of high second rounders and a third-round selection.
Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2025 NFL draft. Up next is running back, a position group that is, from top to bottom, one of the deepest classes the league has seen in years, giving the Bears a very good reason to select a prospect to feature in Johnson's offense.
Who's on the roster?
- D'Andre Swift
- Roschon Johnson
- Travis Homer
- Ian Wheeler
Last offseason, the Bears attempted to make a splash at the running back position in free agency, where a number of quality options were hitting the market. In a pool that featured Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Aaron Jones, the Bears wound up with D'Andre Swift, signing him to a three-year deal worth $24 million. Swift struggled out of the gate, and though he found stretches of success with games totaling more than 100 yards from scrimmage, his inaugural season in Chicago was a letdown. Despite playing all 17 games, Swift ran for less than 1,000 yards as the clear-cut RB1.
Roschon Johnson is entering his third season and has been a middling running back up to this point in his young career. In 2024, Johnson served as the primary short yardage and goal line back, totaling just 150 rushing yards on 55 attempts. Johnson scored six touchdowns, however, showing he's capable of producing in that type of role when healthy. As of now, he's the backup to Swift, but things could change this summer if more competition is brought in.
Travis Homer recently returned to the Bears after testing free agency, re-signing on a one-year deal. Homer could steal some carries if the situation calls for it, but his role continues to be on special teams. Ian Wheeler, meanwhile, missed all of the 2024 season with a torn ACL he suffered during the preseason finale. Wheeler was a favorite on "Hard Knocks" and has another shot at making the final roster when training camp rolls around.
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Who departed this offseason?
- Darrynton Evans
The Bears only lost one player from their running back room, and it was someone who was a late-season addition. Darrynton Evans filled in when Homer was lost for the season, playing primarily on special teams. With Homer back, Evans signed with the Buffalo Bills.
Positional need: High
On paper, one could argue the Bears would be fine simply finding another running back in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft and relying on Swift once more to carry the load. Given what transpired last year and coupled with the arrival of Ben Johnson, though, that doesn't seem feasible. Chicago's offense has impact players at the quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end positions. While Swift can be a home-run threat at times, he often gets swallowed up with minimal gains at best. The Bears will need to have a strong running game in Johnson's offense, as evidenced by what he did with the Lions the last two years. Swift can be a part of that, but he cannot be the sole answer.
Top draft prospects
- Ashton Jeanty
- Omarion Hampton
- Kaleb Johnson
- TreVeyon Henderson
- Quinshon Judkins
- Cam Skattebo
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It is an excellent year to be in need of a running back. The 2025 class rivals years like 2017 (Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Joe Mixon) and 2008 (Jamaal Charles, Darren McFadden, Matt Forte, Chris Johnson). It starts at the top with Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up after his historic season at Boise State. Jeanty carried the Broncos offense to the College Football Playoff, and he has star potential.
If the Bears fail to draft Jeanty or choose a different approach while he's still on the board, they have solid options available behind him. Omarion Hampton is a bruising back who could form a solid 1-2 punch with Swift. Same with Kaleb Johnson, who has a unique blend of vision and strength. The Bears could also opt for one of the Ohio State backs who dominated on their way to winning the National Championship. Quinshon Judkins is a tone setter, while TreVeyon Henderson is a home-run hitter. It would be surprising to see the Bears not use one of their top-three picks on a running back. They could even double dip and take a developmental option on Day 3.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft preview: Where do Chicago Bears stand at running back?
Continue reading...
