5 NFL teams most likely to draft a running back

2. Chicago Bears

Another team quite likely to take a running back in this draft is the Chicago Bears. They were on the verge of this list before they traded Jordan Howard to the Eagles, as it had been clear since Matt Nagy arrived as coach that he simply did not see Howard as a fit in his offense. Now that Howard is gone, they are almost certain to dedicate one of their picks to a back.

However, the Bears are down to five total picks in this draft, trading their first round pick in the Khalil Mack deal and their second round pick while moving up to grab Anthony Miller in the 2018 draft. So their first pick is not until the third round! Perhaps they make another move to get up into the second round, but even in the third or fourth they could grab their back of the future, as this draft is loaded with backs with starter potential (even if it is does not have many backs with superstar potential).

Three prospects I could see the Bears grabbing (and being able to grab with one of their picks) include:

• Damien Harris: Assuming Nagy likes Kareem Hunt after Hunt excelled in his offense in Kansas City, Harris is a great fit for the Bears, since he’s an extremely similar as a talent to Hunt.
• Alexander Mattison: They could grab this underrated back later in the draft, and still net a player with enough skill to be their early down grinder (he also went on a visit to Chicago).
• Elijah Holyfield: He also profiles as a bit similar to Kareem Hunt, without breakaway speed but with good balance and power.