Chicago Bears: Player comparisons for top RB prospects

Benny Snell, Kentucky

Player Comparison: James Conner

My absolute favorite running back in the draft, Kentucky Wildcats running back Benny Snell is a very intriguing option for the Bears on the third day of the draft.

Snell burst onto the scene during Kentucky’s incredible season last year as one of the better running backs in the country and consequently decided to declare for the NFL draft, forgoing his final season in Lexington.

While that decision might not have been the best one, Snell still has a great chance to produce in the NFL.

His bulky frame makes him a good power back, but his deceptive explosiveness makes him a nice fit in the pass-catching game as well.

That versatile utilization is what makes Snell such a great fit in Matt Nagy’s offense, as Nagy will be able to be creative in his placement of Snell, and will allow him to flourish in a fast-paced offense.

While Snell was very consistent in stuffing the stat sheet at Kentucky, things won’t be that easy in the NFL. Snell has a lot to prove after just one spectacular season, but his production in that season, and his high ceiling mirror that of one of the best running backs in the NFL, James Conner.

Conner played just one great season at Pittsburgh before being sidelined with cancer, but after his return, the power back put up huge numbers, salvaging the Steelers offense last season.

Conner has been utilized as a yardage back as well as a pass-catcher in the backfield, and his same type of deceptive explosiveness has been his calling card in the NFL.

Snell has a long way to go before he’s pounding out 1000+ yard seasons in the NFL, but his trajectory and build are much like Conner.