Running Backs - where do we go

[southdakbearfan]

Hadn’t seen this brought up other than in passing but running backs, where do we go from here?

Swift - has been thoroughly underwhelming IMO for the $ he is getting. I understand the line isn’t great but even when he hits the open he hasn’t got the long speed at all. I think he may be better suited as a backup until he can be cut for cap. 3.8 per rush, 42 catches, just seems like he is a guy that got some numbers due to lack of options to go to anyone else a majority of the season.

R. Johnson - seems to have a spot moment here and there but hasn’t been able to grab much spotlight, but a lot of that is due to concussions. Which he is definitely a hammer when he hits the hole, but maybe too much. Good story, too many dings to the head and missed time to be relied upon.

T. Homer - meh

D. Evan’s - who?

This leads me to think it’s possible we either think about RB in the draft early (if we get some line help in FA) or we chase a short term FA that could start.

[Moriarty]

I'm uncomfortable with the way Ben is talking about RB.
I will be super pissed if they burn a Day 2 pick on one.

Day 3 is the time to bring in a steady annual drip of HBs. And with this being such a deep group, Day 3 should be even more appealing than ever.


1-2 Day 3 picks who you think could replace Swift in 1-2 years is fine with me.
If you want 1 of those to be competition for RoJo instead, that's ok.
If you prefer a cheap vet for that role, maybe. We'll see how boards look in 2-3 months. But I think you could be missing out on a good prospect by giving one of the two jobs to someone meh.

[Grizzled]

I could see a complete replacement of RBs. A burner and a pounder, although I think they keep Swift another year.

[Ditka’s dictaphone]

I think there will be plenty of good running backs there on day 3 - Skattebo, Gordon II, Sampson, Bhayshul Tuten etc

[G08]

It's a pretty good RB class, I could see us drafting one in round 3 or 4.

[Otis Day]

Ian Wheeler, a sleeper.

[RING4CHI]

Give me Cam Skattebo.

[Otis Day]

Skattebo, this generation's new Brock Forsey.

[mmmc_35]

It's a pretty good RB class, I could see us drafting one in round 3 or 4.

As they likely should.

I really like Rj Harvey .

[dplank]

I dunno…Dry was an amazing album as was Is This Desire?, but she kinda lost me after those

[malk]

I dunno…Dry was an amazing album as was Is This Desire?, but she kinda lost me after those

C'mon Billy, Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea was a down album but she remained great throughout. White Chalk is an absolute masterpiece!

(Is this Desire is a top 5 album for me tho, great shout, absolutely her best).

[karhu]

What the hell are you guys talking about? Are you trying to get rid of me?

[karhu]

Ahem. I'm more focused on vision + contact balance than ever, with a garnish of quickness, hold the speed if need be.

Tahj Brooks in the 4th or 5th for me, combine and stuff TBD. Lower profile than Skattebo at this point, but might be a more promising pro.

[thunderspirit]

I like Kaleb Johnson and Skattebo and Brooks.

I really like Devin Neal, though.

[karhu]

I like Kaleb Johnson and Skattebo and Brooks.

I really like Devin Neal, though.

Amen to all of 'em, but I'm guessing that only Brooks will be there when I want us to consider a RB. Neal's a bit hybrid-ish for my liking, too--he could be Kareem Hunt with a bit more juice, or...well, a smaller Kareem Hunt who gets fewer yards after contact, which might not be the style of runner I'd like for us.

[G08]

I like Kaleb Johnson and Skattebo and Brooks.

I really like Devin Neal, though.

No love for TreVeyon?

[thunderspirit]

I like Kaleb Johnson and Skattebo and Brooks.

I really like Devin Neal, though.

No love for TreVeyon?

TreVeyon is gonna go in the second round, and that's higher than I'm willing to pick a running back in this year's draft.

[Mighty Joe Young]

I'm uncomfortable with the way Ben is talking about RB.
I will be super pissed if they burn a Day 2 pick on one.

Day 3 is the time to bring in a steady annual drip of HBs. And with this being such a deep group, Day 3 should be even more appealing than ever.


1-2 Day 3 picks who you think could replace Swift in 1-2 years is fine with me.
If you want 1 of those to be competition for RoJo instead, that's ok.
If you prefer a cheap vet for that role, maybe. We'll see how boards look in 2-3 months. But I think you could be missing out on a good prospect by giving one of the two jobs to someone meh.

Be prepared to be super pissed.

I could even see a situation where we take TWO running backs this draft.

[Moriarty]

I'm uncomfortable with the way Ben is talking about RB.
I will be super pissed if they burn a Day 2 pick on one.

Day 3 is the time to bring in a steady annual drip of HBs. And with this being such a deep group, Day 3 should be even more appealing than ever.


1-2 Day 3 picks who you think could replace Swift in 1-2 years is fine with me.
If you want 1 of those to be competition for RoJo instead, that's ok.
If you prefer a cheap vet for that role, maybe. We'll see how boards look in 2-3 months. But I think you could be missing out on a good prospect by giving one of the two jobs to someone meh.

Be prepared to be super pissed.

I could even see a situation where we take TWO running backs this draft.

I take 2 all the time. I even took 3 (1 for the PS in R7, because the quality was just so deep) the last time I simmed.


But NOT on Day 2.

[Mighty Joe Young]

Be prepared to be super pissed.

I could even see a situation where we take TWO running backs this draft.

I take 2 all the time. I even took 3 (1 for the PS in R7, because the quality was just so deep) the last time I simmed.


But NOT on Day 2.

Bears have 2 day 2 picks. If Ian Cunningham goes to Jax, they will have three. If they trade down in round one, they could have FOUR.

If they get to 3 or 4 Day 2 picks, I think it is highly likely one of them will be a running back.

[wab]

I take 2 all the time. I even took 3 (1 for the PS in R7, because the quality was just so deep) the last time I simmed.


But NOT on Day 2.

Bears have 2 day 2 picks. If Ian Cunningham goes to Jax, they will have three. If they trade down in round one, they could have FOUR.

If they get to 3 or 4 Day 2 picks, I think it is highly likely one of them will be a running back.

If it indeed plays out like this, then I agree one will probably be a RB.

[cblaz11]

I think we’re going to see a big season out of Swift in this offense..I don’t see the need to spend anything above a 3rd on a RB

[o-pus #40 in B major]

De'Andre Swift was available and carried the ball throughout the entire 17 game 2024 schedule, with 44 receptions and whatever stats, he still has a solid place on a three back committee imho.

Roshon is a question mark.

On the one hand I think Poles should draft at least one RB.

Or on the other hand keep a sharp eye out for a FA with value and the right fit.

All of the above I feel would be the wisest at this point when Caleb's clock has been ticking for nearly a year.

Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles need to fully address the RB Room before gushing over any more WR's IMHO...

[Z Bear]

Don't see them investing much money in a vet RB, the draft class is too good plus they still have Ian Wheeler under contract. Dude showed some speed and ran hard before he got hurt last preseason.

[wulfy]

I like Kaleb Johnson and Skattebo and Brooks.

I really like Devin Neal, though.

No love for TreVeyon?

I actually think Judkins might be a better fit for what Ben likes to do. Judkins was AMAZING at Mississippi when he was the solo back.

Two other guys to watch are Miami's Damien Martinez (in the Knuckles role) and SMU's Brashard Smith (in the Sonic Role)

[Arkansasbear]

[o-pus #40 in B major]

How about Omarion Hampton.

[G08]

How about Omarion Hampton.

He's ranked high on many boards, I haven't dug into his "tape" yet.

[Heinz D.]

I think we’re going to see a big season out of Swift in this offense..I don’t see the need to spend anything above a 3rd on a RB

Do you, uhh...actually see Johnson as a big De'andre Swift fan? And, if so, could you elaborate on that?

How about Omarion Hampton.

I haven't done a deep dive, but he certainly seems capable. He'd be my third choice.

[Grizzled]

It's being reported that Johnson is mighty interested in Kaleb Johnson to be his "Montgomery". He seems like he's going in the 2nd now. Worth the pick? I'm not sure but, then, I ain't a coach. I'd think Judkins, the kid from Oklahoma State, Skatterbo might fit the bill also in the 3rd.