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Chicago Bears: Jordan Howard Named to NFL All-Under-25 Team

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard has been named one of the best young players in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears snagged Jordan Howard in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. At the time, the pick looked like a steal, but I don’t think anyone predicted Howard to be as good as he was as a rookie.

Howard was the second-leading rusher in the NFL with 1,313 yards, trailing only fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott had the better total, but Howard actually rushed for more yards per carry (5.2) than Elliott in a significantly worse situation.

Howard is an extremely quick and powerful back who shows great ball carrier vision. He undoubtedly has a bright future in this league as he will look to lead the Bears for many years. In fact, Howard is one of the best young players in the entire NFL.

On Wednesday, Elliot Harrison of NFL.com put together his ultimate NFL All-Under-25 team, showcasing some of the best young talent that the league has to offer. Sure enough, Howard shows up on the team at the running back position alongside Elliott.

Here is what Harrison had to say about the selection of Howard:

"The debate here is between Howard and Todd Gurley. Went with Howard, despite the fact that Gurley might be more gifted in terms of physical measurables. As fantastic as Gurley was during his rookie year, Howard was better. He ran for more yards, caught more passes and averaged more yards per carry than Gurley. Howard was an every-down, productive back — in an offense that struggled through the air."

Gurley may have more natural upside than Howard, but anybody who argues that he is currently the more valuable player obviously has not been watching. Both Gurley and Howard were stuck in similar awful offenses last season. While Howard shined, Gurley rushed for a pitiful 3.2 yards per carry average. Good on Harrison for making the right call here.

The Chicago Bears are not exactly loaded with top talent across the board so there were not many others worth mentioning in this piece. However, I think there should have been some consideration for Cody Whitehair at the center position.

It’s hard to argue with Harrison’s choice of Ryan Kelly. He has the first-round pedigree and was solid for 16 games last season. Maybe I am biased, but if you are asking me, Whitehair would have been the choice.

Next: Bears Complete Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft

Howard, Whitehair and 2016 first-round pick Leonard Floyd lead a talented bunch of rookies for the Chicago Bears. The Bears are not exactly loaded with blue-chip talent, but their 2016 rookie class gives plenty of reason for hope.

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