Chicago Bears: Player comparisons for top RB prospects

Miles Sanders, Penn State

Player Comparison: Tevin Coleman

The follow-up act to the legendary Saquon Barkley at Penn State, Miles Sanders did a serviceable job of following in Barkley’s massive footsteps.

Now, Sanders finds himself in prime position to go in the NFL Draft, projecting as a day two pick.

As the Nittany Lions’ starting running back last season, Sanders ran for 1274 yards with nine touchdowns. Penn State obviously diverted from the running game with the absence of Barkley, but when given the opportunity, Sanders flourished.

Sanders’ opportunistic success is what makes him a great fit on the Bears. He won’t be the center of the offense, as he wasn’t at Penn State, but he’ll still be called on to hold his on in the running game, and when he got that call in college, most of the time he came through big.

If the Bears select Sanders on draft day, they can expect similar production to that of former Atlanta Falcons and current 49ers running back Tevin Coleman.

Coleman is not a power running back by any means, nor is Sanders, but is a big yardage guy, and can pick up several yards per carry.

Additionally, Coleman was never a clear top back. He split time with Devonta Freeman in Atlanta, and still put up big numbers. Sanders will certainly split time with Tarik Cohen, and as he did prior to last season with Barkley, he would make a great second half of a two-headed monster at running back.