Chicago Bears 2019 NFL Draft: Pre-Combine wish list

Running Back Ryquell Armstead, Temple

One of the least-talked about running backs, at least across national media right now, is Ryquell Armstead out of Temple. You hear a lot about the Josh Jacobs’ of the world, but Armstead isn’t one you’d hear talked about across every major platform just yet.

One of the reasons I like Armstead on the Bears is because he excels in a zone scheme. That’s the kind of back the Bears should be looking for, rather than running simple power formations.

Last year in 10 games for Temple, Armstead averaged over 100 yards per game on the ground while scoring 13 touchdowns. He was used on a limited basis in the passing game throughout his college career, but that’s not necessarily something he can’t do.

Armstead is a very good short-yardage back who, like Jordan Howard, refuses to be denied positive yardage. He’s a tough-nosed runner that doesn’t go down easy.

One of the areas he can improve upon is to become more patient as things develop in front of him. With all of the movement he’ll see as an NFL running back, within modern-day offenses, he’ll have to learn when to explode upfield and when to wait a half-second to do so.

These are just a few guys I’d like to see the Bears take a shot on, and from here on out their stock could go in any direction. It’s still early. But, this is quite the process and we are all here for it. Buckle up, the combine is about to get going in full force.

Information from scouting reports used in this piece can be found at The Draft Network and NFL.com. Much of the stats used can be found via Sports Reference.