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The 2025 NFL draft is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears could look to add another playmaker at running back alongside D'Andre Swift.
With four picks in the Top 75 selections of the draft, Chicago has an opportunity to bring in the highest talent with a best player available strategy. There's been plenty of additions across the roster, but Ben Johnson thrived in Detroit with a dynamic running back duo, and that could be a strategy he brings to the Bears in his first year as head coach.
We're examining a running back that Chicago can target in each round of the draft. These players share a combination of athleticism, speed, and the potential to develop into explosive playmakers who could thrive in this new offense. They all have high ceilings and can become valuable contributors for quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears offense.
The top running back in this year's class, Ashton Jeanty could hear his name called very early in the first round, even earlier than Chicago's 10th overall pick. But if he's still available, it may be impossible for Ben Johnson to pass on the talent. The 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up, Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. There may not be a better fit next to D'Andre Swift than Jeanty.
With as much discussion as there has been around Jeanty, for those who believe it is too early to take a running back with the 10th overall pick, Kaleb Johnson is a great option early on Day 2. However, Johnson won't come to Chicago and be seen as a secondary option for the offense, cause there talent is there in full. He didn't receive the attention or conversation that Jeanty did this year for Iowa, but Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, which is nothing to scoff at.
Cam Skattebo has become a very popular and favorite name around the Bears fanbase as a potential addition in the draft this year. Skattebo is a relentless runner who plays with a clear chip on his shoulder and would bring that same mentality to Chicago, which would make him an instant figure around the organization. Skattebo thrives as a physical runner who looks for contact and never goes down easily.
Not as violent as the first three names mentioned, but DJ Giddens is an intelligent and patient runner who finds the holes created for him. Behind the Bears new offensive line, Giddens could be a nice fit alongside Swift as a power-speed duo. He didn't find the endzone as often as the other names, but Giddens did rush for 1,343 yards and scored seven touchdowns last year for Kansas State.
A player who has already taken pre-draft visits with the Bears, Brashard Smith would be a fun and tricky option for the team late in the draft. He won't start his career off as a three-down back, and he's likely best suited as a receiving back with limited touches, and that could mean Chicago could create a three-headed monster. From D'Andre Swift to Roschon Johnson and then Smith, there could be several threats out of the backfield with this selection.
When talking about a late-round flier who could make fans fall in love with his running style, Kyle Monangai fits the bill as a big time bruising running back. He runs with an anger that's definitely missing in the Bears backfield and as one of the top running backs in the Big 10 during his career at Rutgers, Monangai is missing some athleticism and speed to set him atop the class.
Let's end the list with yet another big and powerful running back in Tahj Brooks. Similar to Monangai, Brooks doesn't possess the breakaway speed, but he's got more than just a nasty streak to his running attack. In 2024, while playing for Texas Tech, Brooks rushed for 1,505 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: One running back for the Bears in every round
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With four picks in the Top 75 selections of the draft, Chicago has an opportunity to bring in the highest talent with a best player available strategy. There's been plenty of additions across the roster, but Ben Johnson thrived in Detroit with a dynamic running back duo, and that could be a strategy he brings to the Bears in his first year as head coach.
We're examining a running back that Chicago can target in each round of the draft. These players share a combination of athleticism, speed, and the potential to develop into explosive playmakers who could thrive in this new offense. They all have high ceilings and can become valuable contributors for quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears offense.
Round 1: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The top running back in this year's class, Ashton Jeanty could hear his name called very early in the first round, even earlier than Chicago's 10th overall pick. But if he's still available, it may be impossible for Ben Johnson to pass on the talent. The 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up, Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. There may not be a better fit next to D'Andre Swift than Jeanty.
Round 2: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
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With as much discussion as there has been around Jeanty, for those who believe it is too early to take a running back with the 10th overall pick, Kaleb Johnson is a great option early on Day 2. However, Johnson won't come to Chicago and be seen as a secondary option for the offense, cause there talent is there in full. He didn't receive the attention or conversation that Jeanty did this year for Iowa, but Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, which is nothing to scoff at.
Round 3: Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
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Cam Skattebo has become a very popular and favorite name around the Bears fanbase as a potential addition in the draft this year. Skattebo is a relentless runner who plays with a clear chip on his shoulder and would bring that same mentality to Chicago, which would make him an instant figure around the organization. Skattebo thrives as a physical runner who looks for contact and never goes down easily.
Round 4: DJ Giddens, Kansas State
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Not as violent as the first three names mentioned, but DJ Giddens is an intelligent and patient runner who finds the holes created for him. Behind the Bears new offensive line, Giddens could be a nice fit alongside Swift as a power-speed duo. He didn't find the endzone as often as the other names, but Giddens did rush for 1,343 yards and scored seven touchdowns last year for Kansas State.
Round 5: Brashard Smith, SMU
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A player who has already taken pre-draft visits with the Bears, Brashard Smith would be a fun and tricky option for the team late in the draft. He won't start his career off as a three-down back, and he's likely best suited as a receiving back with limited touches, and that could mean Chicago could create a three-headed monster. From D'Andre Swift to Roschon Johnson and then Smith, there could be several threats out of the backfield with this selection.
Round 6: Kyle Monangai, Rutgers
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When talking about a late-round flier who could make fans fall in love with his running style, Kyle Monangai fits the bill as a big time bruising running back. He runs with an anger that's definitely missing in the Bears backfield and as one of the top running backs in the Big 10 during his career at Rutgers, Monangai is missing some athleticism and speed to set him atop the class.
Round 7: Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
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Let's end the list with yet another big and powerful running back in Tahj Brooks. Similar to Monangai, Brooks doesn't possess the breakaway speed, but he's got more than just a nasty streak to his running attack. In 2024, while playing for Texas Tech, Brooks rushed for 1,505 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagra
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: One running back for the Bears in every round
Continue reading...
