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Chicago Bears: Logical 2017 NFL Draft Targets at Each Position

By Dan Schmelzer

Oct 15, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matthew Dayes
Sep 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Matt Dayes (21) runs after a catch as Old Dominion Monarchs safety Rob Thompson (20) defends during the second half at Carter Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack won 49-22. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

The Chicago Bears hit a home run with the selection of Jordan Howard in the 2016 NFL Draft. Howard was the second-leading rusher in the NFL last season, in only 13 starts. Howard is an absolute beast who appears to have an extremely bright future. Plus, they also have capable backs like Benny Cunningham, Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey on the roster.

Simply put, I do not expect running back to be a major priority for the Bears in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, there are a couple of later round guys who I could see them taking a flyer on.

Matthew Dayes, NC State: 5-foot-9, 205 pounds, Projected Round: 5

Matt Dayes was a running back who really stood out to me at the Senior Bowl. He is certainly a bit on the small side, but Dayes is a quick and smooth runner who can make an impact at the next level. Dayes has great ball carrier vision and does a great job of catching the ball out of the backfield.

He would not be a bad complimentary back to Howard and could likely be had at a nice price.

Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T: 5-foot-6, 179 pounds, Projected Round: 6

Dayes is small but North Carolina A&T running back Tarik Cohen is tiny. Cohen is an interesting late round prospect in this class who undoubtedly has a ton of upside at the next level. Cohen is ridiculously small and that obviously limits his chances of making a full-time impact.

That being said, he is an extremely quick and elusive runner who can make an impact both on the ground and as a receiver. Cohen has a ton of big-play potential at the next level making him an interesting possible late-round flyer for the Chicago Bears.

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