Evaluating the Bears’ Current Running Backs

The chicago Bears are at a critical juncture in their rebuild, and every position group is under intense evaluation. As the 2025 season looms, a notable question hangs in the air: which running backs on the current roster are cornerstones for the future, and which are simply holding down a spot? This analysis dives deep into the Bears’ running back room, assessing each player’s potential to contribute to the team’s long-term success. the Bears, historically known for their strong running game, are looking to recapture that identity.

to determine whether a player is a “building block,” several factors must be considered: age, contract, ability, position, and future projection. This comprehensive approach provides a clearer picture of each player’s value to the team. For example, a young player on a rookie contract with high potential is inherently more valuable than a veteran on an expensive deal with limited upside.

D’Andre Swift: A Short-Term Solution?

D’Andre Swift’s future with the Bears is shrouded in uncertainty. His usage in 2024 sparked questions, especially given Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson’s prior experiance with him in Detroit. “Swift is a big question mark, not just for his future with the franchise, but how much he will be used this year,” according to sources familiar with the situation.This raises concerns about Swift’s role and fit within Johnson’s offensive scheme.

When Johnson was with the Detroit Lions, he favored jamaal Williams as the primary back, ultimately leading to Swift’s trade.While Swift achieved a career-high in yards per scrimmage with the Bears in 2024, it came with a career-high in touches and a career-low in yards per touch.This suggests that while Swift can be productive, his efficiency may suffer with a heavy workload.This is a crucial consideration for the Bears, as they need a running back who can maintain efficiency even with a significant number of carries.

Swift is likely to remain with the team through the 2025 season, after which his contract becomes easily manageable. However, his long-term prospects with the Bears appear limited. He is highly likely not considered a building block for the future.The Bears may be hesitant to commit long-term to Swift given his injury history and the potential for diminishing returns with increased usage.

Verdict: No Block.

Roschon Johnson: A Useful Piece, But Not a Cornerstone

Roschon Johnson entered the NFL with high expectations, but he hasn’t quiet developed into the every-down back some envisioned. While he may not possess elite explosiveness, Johnson has proven to be a valuable and versatile player for the Bears. His contributions extend beyond simply running the ball.

Johnson excels in short-yardage situations, demonstrates reliable pass-catching ability out of the backfield, is a solid blocker, and contributes considerably on special teams. These qualities make him a valuable RB3 on the roster. “Johnson has done well as a short-yardage back, he can catch a little out of the backfield, is a solid blocker, and has also become a key contributor on special teams,” sources confirm. This versatility is highly valued in today’s NFL, where running backs are frequently enough asked to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

While johnson’s versatility is appreciated, he is not considered a player to build the team around.His ceiling appears to be that of a reliable role player, rather than a star. The Bears may see him as a valuable complementary piece, but not as the focal point of their running game.

Verdict: No Block.

Travis Homer: Special Teams Ace

Travis Homer’s role on the Bears is primarily focused on special teams. While he can contribute as a blocker and pass-catcher in limited situations, his impact is largely confined to special teams duties. In the NFL, special teams play can often be the difference between winning and losing close games.

The Bears value Homer’s contributions on special teams, and his return for the 2025 season reflects the team’s commitment to building a strong special teams unit. “Homer was brought back this year because the Bears have clearly made a point of building as strong a special teams unit as possible and are trying to keep their key contributors around for 2025,” sources indicate. This demonstrates the Bears’ understanding of the importance of special teams in overall team success.

Homer’s role is crucial, but not a featured one. He is a valuable specialist, but not a building block for the offence.His contributions are primarily limited to a specific area of the game.

Verdict: No Block.

Ian Wheeler: A Question Mark After Injury

Ian Wheeler gained popularity among Bears fans due to his speed and his appearance on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” Though, a torn ACL suffered during the 2024 preseason sidelined him for the entire season. This injury significantly impacts his future prospects.

Wheeler’s recovery is crucial, as his speed is a meaningful component of his game. The typical recovery timeline for an ACL injury is extensive,and it remains to be seen whether Wheeler can regain his previous explosiveness. “Sadly for someone like Wheeler, his speed is a huge part of his game, and we always hear that it takes a full two years to recover from an ACL injury,” sources explain. The mental aspect of recovering from such an injury can also be a significant hurdle.

With the Bears likely to draft a running back in the upcoming draft, wheeler’s future with the team is uncertain. If he fails to impress during training camp, he could face release or a practice squad assignment. The competition for roster spots will be fierce, and Wheeler will need to demonstrate that he has fully recovered and can contribute at a high level.

Verdict: No Block.

The Bears’ Need for a Top Running Back

The Bears’ current running back situation underscores the need to acquire a top-tier talent. With Ben johnson now calling the plays, the Bears need a reliable running back who can consistently produce. The current roster lacks a player Johnson can confidently rely on as the primary ball carrier. A strong running game is essential for a balanced offense and can take pressure off the quarterback.

The ideal scenario would involve drafting a running back in the first or second round of the upcoming draft. This player would be expected to assume the RB1 role, providing the Bears with a consistent and dynamic ground game.”ideally, Johnson is going to want to take a running back in round one or round two and hope that player takes over the RB1 role,” sources suggest. This investment would signal a commitment to establishing a dominant running game.

While Swift, Johnson, and Homer provide depth, the Bears cannot afford to rely on Swift as their main back in 2025. to establish a consistent ground game that complements Johnson’s offense, the Bears must invest in a high-impact running back. This could be the missing piece that elevates the Bears’ offense to the next level.

Potential Draft Targets for the Bears

Several running backs in the upcoming draft could perhaps fill the Bears’ need for a top-tier talent. Here are a few names to watch:

• Bijan Robinson (Texas): A highly touted prospect with extraordinary vision, agility, and power. Robinson is considered a potential game-changer who could promptly upgrade the Bears’ running game. His ability to break tackles and make defenders miss would be a valuable asset.
• Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama): A dynamic playmaker with elite speed and receiving skills. Gibbs could provide the Bears with a versatile weapon out of the backfield. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield would add another dimension to the Bears’ offense.
• Zach Charbonnet (UCLA): A physical runner with excellent size and power. charbonnet could offer the Bears a reliable and consistent presence in the running game. His ability to run between the tackles would provide the Bears with a much-needed power running game.

The Bears’ decision on which running back to target will depend on their overall draft strategy and their evaluation of each player’s fit within Johnson’s offense. Though, it is indeed clear that addressing the running back position is a high priority for the team.The Bears will need to carefully weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each prospect to determine who best fits their needs.

The Impact of a Strong Running Game

Establishing a strong running game would have a significant impact on the Bears’ offense. It would take pressure off the quarterback, create more opportunities in the passing game, and help control the clock.A dominant running game can also wear down opposing defenses,making the Bears a more formidable opponent in the fourth quarter. This is especially important in close games where controlling the clock can be the difference between winning and losing.

The Bears have invested heavily in improving their offensive line, acquiring guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. these additions should create more running lanes and provide better protection for the quarterback. With a revamped offensive line and a talented running back, the bears’ offense could take a major step forward in 2025. This investment in the offensive line demonstrates the Bears’ commitment to building a strong running game.