The Chicago Bears were 28th in rushing last season. Many factors went into that. A big part was poor blocking up front, which GM Ryan Poles aims to fix over the next two months. However, issues at running back also played a key part. D’Andre Swift had some good moments, but he didn’t have the vision or tackle-breaking ability to handle a full-time role at the position. It stands to reason the team may go hunting for an upgrade, and Ashton Jeanty is the first name bound to come up.
One can understand why. The Heisman runner-up set records in 2024, posting 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Good for second and seventh all-time, respectively, in a single season. Many feel he is the kind of special talent who will go early in the 1st round. Jeanty was asked about that prospect on the Fantasy Football Happy Hour. He admitted the likelihood is low because running backs tend not to go that high, but he admitted he’d love it and appears to have a specific team in mind.
Keep in mind Ashton Jeanty wasn’t prompted to say that.
At no point during the question did the hosts mention the Bears. They only said top 10. The running back said Chicago is entirely of his own choice, which tells you he has a serious interest in joining them. It makes you wonder if he’s been doing his research about potential teams who may be interested in running backs. Or it could be he wants to join the organization for other reasons. The prospect of playing with Caleb Williams is certainly one. Both played out west. Jeanty was no doubt aware of the eventual #1 pick’s rise to stardom.
Then there is the presence of Ben Johnson.
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Chicago’s new head coach has a reputation for heavily incorporating the run game into his offense, often to great success. Detroit ranked 5th and 6th in rushing over his final two seasons there. That was with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs as his backs. One can imagine what he might accomplish with Ashton Jeanty as his lead option. Many have compared him to LaDainian Tomlinson. The Bears have a storied history at running back with names like Gale Sayers and Walter Payton.
I suppose it’s possible that the Bears could fix the IOL with FA signings and a second or third round draft pick. It’s also, I suspect, in Johnson’s DNA to want a top shelf running back – Detroit drafted Sewell and Gibbs in the same draft, both in the first round, I think it was something like 6th and 12th pick. I’m sure Poles will have an eye to the ’26 draft, to see if there’s someone there they might like. My gut feeling is that once all the other pieces are in place, then you draft a RB, because… Read more »