The dust has hardly even settled on the 2025 NFL Draft, and yet analysts have already begun looking towards 2026. Every roster in the NFL will look different by then, including the Chicago Bears. Different needs will emerge and be filled while the draft order at large will continually change. But an early 2026 mock draft at least identifies how franchises could fill current holes should they not find an option by then.
The Bears were unable to land their franchise running back in 2025. They saw Ashton Jeanty go at No. 6 and then TreVeyon Henderson one pick before them in the second-round. For now, D’Andre Swift is set to enter 2025 as Chicago’s lead running back.
Perhaps Swift has a breakout season, with a little help from new head coach Ben Johnson. But if he struggles to a 3.8 yards per carry average again, the Bears will still be looking for their franchise running back come 2026; barring an unforeseen acquisition. Holding the No. 17 overall pick in Jordan Reid of ESPN’s 2026 mock draft, Chicago selects Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. He’s the first running back off the board in Reid’s exercise.
“The Bears didn’t address running back until the seventh round last week (Kyle Monangai), so they could be seeking D’Andre Swift’s successor in 2026,” Reid wrote. “Their 4.0 yards per rush tied for third worst in the NFL last season. ”
“Love was electric for the Irish in 2024, averaging 6.9 yards per carry (10th best in the FBS) en route to 1,125 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns,:” Reid continued. “He also had 237 receiving yards. He’s an explosive strider, and his body control allows him to fit his 6-foot, 206-pound frame through coin slot-sized running lanes.”
Jeremiyah Love gives Chicago Bears franchise building block
The Bears have found their quarterback in Caleb Williams. Their wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden will give defensive coordinators nightmares. As will the tight end tandem of Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet. Finding their franchise running back is the finishing touch on crafting Johnson’s perfect offense in Chicago.
Filling the role with a player like Love would only make the Bears more dynamic. He broke onto the scene with a dominant 2024 performance, rushing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. His 6.9 yards per carry average was nearly identical to that of Jeanty’s. Furthermore, Love made a name for himself with a 98-yard touchdown run in the College Football Playoff against Indiana.
Alongside being strong runners, Johnson wants all of his skill position players to be true playmakers on the gridiron. Love proved he can be a difference maker in the pass game as well, making 28 receptions for 237 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. If he continues developing as a receiver, it’ll be easier to see the Jahmyr Gibbs comparisons come 2026.
While Chicago’s roster will look vastly different in 2026, they’d need to make a major splash to find a true franchise running back to build around; unless Swift has a massive breakthrough. If fans and analysts are still talking about the Bears’ running back problems after the 2025 campaign, Love would be an easy fix.
Luther Burden’s immediate reaction to Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams team up
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
