Chicago Bears: Pre-NFL Combine mock draft

Karan Higdon, RB – University of Michigan The Bears will likely be looking for a running back in this year’s draft for a variety of reasons.

First, Jordan Howard is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Putting aside the question of whether he fits in Matt Nagy’s offense, the Bears are unlikely to commit a substantial amount of money to a running back on a second deal.

Second, the free agent running back market isn’t flush with quality players on cheap deals, which is what the Bears will be looking for.

Therefore, it is likely they will turn to the draft to find the heir apparent to Howard, as well as someone who can step in and become a three-headed monster with him and Tarik Cohen. That player could be Michigan running back Karan Higdon.

Higdon rushed for 1,178 yards last season on 224 carries for an average of 5.3 yards per carry. The one area of concern would be his lack of receptions throughout his college career (16 total over four years). What’s unclear though, is whether that was simply a by-product of the offensive scheme and if he has the ability to excel as a pass-catcher despite not being utilized in that way.

The Bears could certainly attempt to secure their running back with their third-round pick, but there is considerable depth in this draft at the position, so it’s entirely possible they wait, knowing they have Howard for at least one more year.