Not many answers were originally provided to fans regarding the current state of the Chicago Bears running back following the draft over the weekend. The running back board seemed to dance away from general manager Ryan Poles multiple times after the first round, which forced the organization to go in different directions with the rest of their selections.
The organization still managed to snag a ball carrier at the end of the draft to provide some juice in the room. Kyle Monangai from Rutgers could be an exciting talent to watch at the next level despite going so late on Saturday. It appears that the Bears are still looking to add more to their running back depth before training camp gets underway this summer. A lead writer for the organization on behalf of the Chicago Tribune gave an update on the running back room right now.
Chicago Bears insider gives his take on state of RB room
Brad Biggs spent some time in his latest mailbag column writing about how things currently look with the Bears running back situation just days after the draft. He touched on how D’Andre Swift will be a bigger focal point for Ben Johnson than some originally anticipated and that Roschon Johnson might get a fair shake to begin the year.
“Coach Ben Johnson has been very upbeat about working with Swift again after their time together in Detroit, and with an improved offensive line, Swift and the rest of the backs should look better,” Biggs wrote. “Johnson never really got a chance last season, and I think the front office still would like to see him get a chance to stick.”
When Biggs turned his attention to the depth guys in the running back room, he mentioned that he thinks it will be hard for any new additions to beat out the current personnel based on their current value to the team.
“(Travis) Homer’s roster spot is relatively secure because of his role on special teams,” Biggs acknowledges. “The Bears obviously want to see what Monangai, a two-time captain and workhorse at Rutgers, can do. So, barring unforeseen injuries, any player the Bears sign likely would have to beat out Johnson or Monangai because they’re unlikely to carry more than four running backs on the 53-man roster.”
After spending the previous two seasons in Chicago, Homer was brought back in the offseason on a one-year deal worth just under $2 million. The special teams ace shouldn’t have to worry about his roster spot being in jeopardy for the upcoming season and Monangai will get just as much of a chance as anybody to succeed based on what the organization thinks of his abilities right now.
Signing a veteran RB should still be in play for the Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson has preached that he is trying to create as much competition as possible entering camp. Because of this, it would not be shocking if a veteran was brought into the running back room after all. While guys like Monangai and Johnson deserve a fair shake at getting carries this season, they need to earn them in camp. Bringing in another back would suggest that Johnson could be on the trade block, with Monangai being a rookie.
The Chicago Bears had trouble getting their ground game going consistently last year. Even though they have a revamped offensive line entering this upcoming season, it won’t mean much if they don’t have the right personnel running the rock. If bringing in a veteran like Nick Chubb or JK Dobbins can elevate the ground game in any way, it is worth considering over the next few weeks.
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