Even though the trenches are a massive need for the Chicago Bears this offseason, an upgrade is needed in the team’s running game as well. New head coach Ben Johnson’s scheme will be different in the Windy City than during his time in Detroit, but one aspect of the rushing attack should stay consistent.
Johnson liked to have a two running back unit with the Lions as Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery made for the top duo in the league over the past couple of seasons. As things stand right now with the Bears for 2025, the top main running backs on the roster will be D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.
Chicago’s ground game wasn’t the strongest this past season and while the offensive line could be a big reason for that, a personnel change in the backfield is in order for 2025. The Bears have nearly $70 million in available cap space before roster cuts and solid draft capital to attack these needs with. One prospect in particular that they could pursue might not even require a pick in the first two rounds.
Kaleb Johnson should be a name to watch for the Chicago Bears
Johnson had a breakout season for the Hawkeyes in 2024 where he was the most dominant rusher in the Big Ten. He finished the year with 1,537 ground yards from scrimmage on 240 carries. Johnson had 6.4 yards per carry to along with his 21 touchdowns. The Hamilton, OH native also saw action in the pass game for the Hawkeyes as he had 22 grabs for 188 yards and two scores.
The Iowa offense relied heavily on Johnson’s legs this past season with the air game not being much of a factor for them. He finished toward the top of college football with his PFF grade in 2024, posting a 86.2 mark. Scouts have praised Johnson for his ability to shoulder the load of a running attack, the acceleration he shows when he gets beyond the first level and his strength to fight for extra yards after contact.
The Chicago Bears would get Kaleb Johnson in an ideal draft position
Johnson currently sits with a draft grade that could see him selected in either the second or third round of April’s draft. While Chicago might look toward the legend of Ashton Jeanty with their first round draft choice, but there success or lack thereof in free agency could determine their level of interest in him.
The organization needs to add three offensive linemen along with a dynamic edge rusher with their resources more than anything. If they can strike big in free agency, that allows the front office to have more flexibility entering the draft. Unless Chicago believes that Jeanty is too good to pass up on regardless of what they bring aboard in March, they should look in the trenches with the 10th overall pick.
Lucky for the Bears, this is an extremely deep running back draft class and they can pick up a player of Johnson’s caliber while using their premier picks on the bigger roles on the roster. There is no doubt that Johnson has the chance to blossom in the NFL and if he is seen as a fit in the Bears’ new offensive scheme, the interest from Ryan Poles and his staff with certainly be there at the combine.
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