Chicago Bears: 2019 NFL Draft first round aftermath

Plethora of Running Backs

I understand that this running back class was not what people are expecting for the 2020 class. However, there are some solid options and depth in this draft class, and backs are falling in a great fashion for the Chicago Bears.

Josh Jacobs went in the first round at No. 24 to the Oakland Raiders. That is it though. Not one other back went in Round 1. What is also important is that only two wide receivers went in Round 1. This draft was supposed to be chock full of wide receiver talent. One could argue that the depth at the position is why more guys were not drafted in Round 1.

Why is this good for the Bears? A team that does not have a need at wide receiver. Simply, I expect wide receivers to fly off the board now in Round 2. This means more and more guys will fall closer to the No. 87 pick.

Right now, it looks like Miles Sanders could be a guy that falls to No. 87. I never thought he would go in Round 1, but the way things are shaking up, if he does not fall all the way down, he could be close enough where Ryan Pace makes a move up to grab him. Sanders has been my top target at the running back position for Chicago. He brings all of the tools needed for Nagy’s system.

Trayveon Williams is the next back I have been on this offseason. He is another complete back. He is slightly undersized for my liking, but with Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis, this could be a true running back by committee. Williams is a great pass-catcher, a solid pass blocker despite his size and has great vision with patience to find holes behind his blockers.

David Montgomery is another name who is on my radar for the Bears. He is bigger than Williams and could be more of the “lead” back the Bears are missing. He has good balance and is able to create yards on his own with his power. His receiving skills are not great, but more reliable in this area than Jordan Howard. Unfortunately, also like Howard, he lacks top-end speed.

Damien Harris is another interesting player, but not one I think the Bears should consider. I love that he is still on the board though because again, it means Sanders could keep falling. Have you realized how much I like Sanders yet? Harris lacks the receiving skills for Nagy’s offense in my opinion, but he could slot in well with a team like Tampa Bay who could move on from Ronald Jones II.

Other names to consider if they fall into Round 4:

• Justice Hill
• Bryce Love
• Mike Weber
• Darrell Henderson

Personally, any of these guys, besides Damien Harris, would make the Bears running backs look better and more exciting. With not many teams, there are maybe four or five, that have running back needs, Chicago is almost guaranteed at least one of these guys. Miles Sanders would look best in blue and orange though.