Chicago Bears: Top 10 draft picks under Ryan Pace

1. Running back Jordan Howard

He’s the ultimate teammate, the ultimate human being and the ultimate example of how deep an NFL Draft goes. Jordan Howard was a fifth-round pick in 2016 and started the year on the bottom of the running back depth chart at no. 3.

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People continue to overlook Howard’s talent. He’s incredibly underrated and doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves. Let’s take a quick look at what he’s been able to do in just two short years:

• 2,435 rushing yards in 31 games

• 4.6 yards per carry over two seasons

• 16 total touchdowns

• Pro Bowl selection his rookie year

Remember, Howard’s coordinator and play-caller was absolutely atrocious during his first two years. Dowell Loggains along with coach Fox were famous for allowing the defense to dictate who the offense puts on the field.

So, he ran well between the tackles in his rookie campaign. He played less games than the second-closest to him, Ezekiel Elliot, after not getting his first start until week four. In 2017, he once again ran well between the tackles — this time, facing even more stacked boxes.

43 percent of Howard’s carries in 2017 came against loaded fronts (eight men or more).

That’s incredible.

Imagine what he will do now that the Bears have actual weapons in the passing game and coaches who know how to call plays? Fox and Loggains did nothing but handcuff the offense over the two seasons Howard has been in the league, and I am fired up to watch him play under the leadership of Nagy.

Next: Bears' Big Board for 2018 NFL Draft

Fifth-round pick.

Fifth.

Round.

Pick.

Who’s ready for the draft?