6 Bears on Thin Ice Heading Into the NFL Draft

2. Khalil Herbert, Running Back

One of the first contract agreements to hit the news cycle during the legal tampering period was between the Chicago Bears and running back D'Andre Swift. A former Georgia Bulldog, Swift was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. After three seasons, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and had his best campaign.

Swift ran for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns which was enough for the Bears to give him a three-year deal worth $24 million. His addition provides their offense with a three-down back who is just as dangerous as a receiver as he is a runner. That has several players fighting for a spot now, including Khalil Herbert.

Herbert was a sixth-round pick out of Virginia Tech in 2021 and has 1,775 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground as well as 287 yards and two more touchdowns on 43 receptions. He was promoted to the starting role in 2023 when David Montgomery signed with the Detroit Lions and while he averaged 4.6 yards per attempt, he missed five games due to injury.

Chicago might feel better about leaning on Roschon Johnson as the primary reserve and if that's the case, Herbert is the perfect candidate to be traded during the draft. He won't net more than a Day 3 pick but considering how few they have, the Bears might be willing to make that move.