Chicago Bears: Seven-round post-free agency mock draft

4th round

Chase Edmonds

Running back, Fordham

When there’s smoke there’s fire.

Nbcports.com’s John “Moon” Mullin had a report out there that the Bears and Miami Dolphins have had conversations about a deal that would have to send wide receiver Jarvis Landry, a third-round pick, and their 11th pick and an exchange for Jordan Howard and the number eight pick.

Here’s what Mullin stated in the article

"“Howard was the Bears’ chief offensive threat over the past two seasons, becoming the first running back in franchise history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in each of this first two seasons. But sources said that the Nagy offensive staff has concerns about Howard’s shortcomings as a receiver and which pose a significant issue for a scheme with a West Coast foundation. The Nagy offense presupposes backs with excellent receiving skills, which Kansas City Chiefs backs typically had during Nagy’s tenure on Andy Reid’s staff and which Howard has not demonstrated in his two Bears seasons”"

Howard receiving ability woes are well documented among media and fans. While I don’t think Howard’s as terrible as a receiver as some like to paint him out to be, he’s still not the ideal running back that’s usually incorporated in the Reid offense that Nagy will run some type of form of it.

Chase Edmonds is one of the more underrated running back prospects in this class. Edmonds ran a 4.55 40 at the combine, but he plays faster than his listed speed. When you watch his highlight tapes, the player comparison that comes to mind is LeSean McCoy (former Reid running back).

McCoy coming out of Pittsburgh didn’t have the listed top end speed, to but played faster in live game action. Both McCoy and Edmonds had the good change of direction skills coming out of college and when both are in the in the open field, it usually curtains for second level defenders.

Edmonds also excels as a receiver out the backfield and would give Nagy another chess piece that opposing defenses will have to account for as both a pass and runner.