Whether it be free agency, the draft, or trade rumors, the Chicago Bears have been linked to every available running back this offseason.
When they went elsewhere in free agency, analysts and fans assumed they’d look to this fantastic rookie class of backs for an upgrade. And while the Bears did address the position, they did it at pick number 233 in the seventh round, passing on everyone’s favorites in the previous six rounds.
Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai wasn’t on many fans’ radar, but his early work this offseason has caught head coach Ben Johnson’s attention.
“In the running back room, Kyle Monangai has really stepped up,” Johnson said last week after minicamp. “I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he’s picking things up.”
Earlier this week, we asked if you thought the Bears should try to add to their running back room, and 58% of you were content to roll with the current group.
Monangai has a pro skill set because he can pass block and has decent hands out of the backfield, but right now, he’s probably third on the depth chart. Travis Homer, who was brought back primarily for special teams, is number four.
D’Andre Swift figures to start training camp as their number one running back, with Roschon Johnson as the number two, but Ben Johnson had a top-five offense in Detroit in 2022 with Swift as his number two.
Jamaal Williams was Ben’s number one that year with 459 snaps, 274 touches, and 1,139 yards from scrimmage, while Swift chipped in with 393 offensive snaps, 147 touches, and 931 yards. If Ben wants a more physical number one, then RoJo, or even Monangai, could fit that bill, which would let Swift slide into the change-of-pace back role.
The Bears will likely monitor the waiver wire following the preseason, and they’ll have their pro scouts ready in case a veteran is cut, but for now, they seem to be just as content with the room as most fans are.
If you think Chicago will be better this season and get off to a strong start, jump on FanDuel’s early spread for week one against the Vikings, where they have the Bears favored by 1.5 points.
If you’re feeling really confident, you can get Chicago’s win total at 10.5 at +350 or them to win the NFC North at +550.
SB Nation Reacts is a survey of fans across the NFL, and all year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bears fans and fans across the country. You can sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.