Chicago Bears: Running Backs to know for the 2019 NFL Draft

It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears are likely going to add a running back in the 2019 NFL Draft. The team has been keeping an eye on names like Mike Weber (Ohio State) and Miles Sanders (Penn State).

Then there’s the fact that Jordan Howard was just traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. The big reason? Howard was never deemed as an ideal fit in Matt Nagy’s offense. In other words, the Bears were not willing to keep around a player that isn’t someone who fits the offensive vision of the team.

Despite bringing in Mike Davis via free agency, the Bears clearly aren’t done adding to the running back room. If anything, the NFL Draft will give the Bears a chance to put the finishing touches on a position group that nobody thought would undergo any significant changes this offseason.

Unlike the 2017 and 2018 NFL Drafts where running backs like Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffery, Saquon Barkley, and Sony Michel have been drafted in round one, this year that’s not the case.

Many of the running backs that will be drafted this year will be on either day two or three of the NFL Draft. This means that from the third-round onwards, it’s fair to see a handful of teams adding to their backfield.

One thing is clear as the Bears enter their fifth NFL Draft with Ryan Pace leading the way: The Bears are Super Bowl contenders and with the right moves in the draft, the team has a chance to make a deep playoff run in 2019

With the NFL Draft right around the corner, what are some running backs that can be considered to be realistic targets for the Bears? Additionally, what are some strengths and weaknesses of each prospect and what round would each player likely be available in?