The Chicago Bears seem destined to select a running back at some point in the 2025 NFL Draft. The only question looming is whether or not the Bears use their No. 10 overall pick on the position.
If they do, that likely means that Chicago landed star running back Ashton Jeanty. The Heisman Trophy runner-up has been arguably the most heralded running back prospect in recent NFL Draft history. Jeanty is expected to take the NFL by storm and immediately be the top rushing option for whichever team drafts him.
But the star running back has gone as high as No. 6 to the Las Vegas Raiders in industry mock drafts. The Bears may not even have a chance to put his name on their card. In that situation however, Chicago legend Lance Briggs has concocted another plan. Of all the running backs in the 2025 class, Briggs has his eyes on Arizona State standout Cam Skattebo, via CHGO Bears.
“If we did draft Cam Skattebo, we’d be getting a hell of a player” Briggs said on the CHGO Bears podcast. “I think his game transfers to the NFL extremely well.”
“With D’Andre Swift being a player in space, a space type of back, speedy, spot back, Cam Skattebo, is a guy who runs really well in between tackles, catches out of the backfield extremely well, he’ll move the chains,” Briggs continued. “To me he’s an every down type of back. Great balance, great vision, I don’t think there’s anything he can’t do.”
.@ArizonaFBall Legend, @LanceBriggs, showing love to an @ASUFootball legend?!? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/UaWnYmGctq
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) April 9, 2025
D’Andre Swift entering choppy waters
If the Bears pass on Jeanty and end up taking Skattebo, Swift’s job would be safe. Johnson would need to figure out exactly what Chicago’s running back plan would look like, but Swift wouldn’t be exiled from the room. Regardless, the fact the Bears have been so connected to draft running backs show where the team, league current stand with Swift.
His first season in Chicago saw him earn a career-high 253 carries, turning them into 959 yards and six touchdowns. However, Swift averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. If he is going to maintain his lead rushing role, Swift needs to be more efficient with his touches.
Of course, having a stronger offensive line in front of him should only help the running back. But it will also put more pressure on him. Johnson has worked with Swift in the past. He will know immediately if he is the right fit for what he is trying to build in Chicago.
Swift is still under contract through 2026, so the Bears have a bit of time. But sooner rather than later, Swift must become a true force in the offense to remain a focal point in Chicago.
What Cam Skattebo offers Chicago Bears
When it comes to the top running backs in 2025, Skattebo’s name sometimes gets forgotten. But that’s more a testament to the depth of the 2025 class rather than the running back’s skill itself. He may not be in the same class as Jeanty, but selecting Skattebo would give the Bears an intriguing piece to work with in the backfield.
Over his two years with Arizona State, the running back gained 2,494 yards and 30 touchdowns on his 457 carries. However, Skattebo truly came alive in 2024, when he led the Big 12 in rushing with 1,711 yards, adding a monstrous 21 rushing touchdowns. He was named First-Team All-Big 12 and a First-Team All-American.
Alongside his work on the ground, Skattebo proved he can be a force in the pass game by making 45 receptions for 605 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. He even threw for a touchdown while earning Peach Bowl Offensive MVP honors. Overall, Skattebo is the type of playmaker Johnson is looking to fill his offense with.
With four picks inside the top 75, the Bears will have ample opportunity to find their next runner. And if Jeanty isn’t in the cards, Briggs thinks Chicago should pivot to Skattebo.
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