Free agency has wrapped up its initial frenzy, but the Chicago Bears are still in the market for talent. While they will be filling out their roster with depth signings in the coming weeks, the focus is firmly on what’s next: the NFL Draft. General Manager Ryan Poles has set the stage, indicating that the moves made over the past couple of weeks leave them well-positioned to be razor sharp with the 10th overall pick. The possibilities are endless, but that has led to a swirling cloud of uncertainty—everyone has a different opinion on who the Bears should select as seen in the various mock drafts popping up across the league.
However, one insider has stepped up to sift through the noise. Ben Devine, who has his finger on the pulse of the Bears’ plans, correctly identified last year that the team was eyeing Washington’s standout wide receiver, Rome Odunze, with their 9th pick. This year, he’s back at it, leveraging his sources to pinpoint a name that’s generating growing excitement: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
The Bears’ interest in Jeanty is quite logical when you dive into what he brings to the table. He isn’t just another player; he’s an exceptional talent who came remarkably close to shattering one of college football’s most prestigious milestones—Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record. Jeanty racked up an astounding 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns during his final season, leading Boise State into the college football playoff mix, where they sadly fell short against a more well-rounded Penn State squad. Comparisons to legends like LaDainian Tomlinson and Maurice Jones-Drew highlight how special this kid could be.
Let’s talk context. Last season, Chicago struggled on the ground, finishing 25th in rushing. D’Andre Swift had a challenging year, averaging under 4.0 yards per carry in 11 out of 17 games—definitely not a recipe for success. While backup Roschon Johnson serves as a solid short-yardage back, neither he nor Swift has proven they can carry the load as a true workhorse. Jeanty, on the other hand, could easily step in and change that narrative.
Then there’s the influence of Ben Johnson, the Bears’ new head coach. He’s a firm believer in the running game, having led the Detroit Lions to a top-10 ranking in rushing attempts over the last two seasons. It’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t immediately cherish the prospect of a dynamic player like Jeanty. With a solidified receiving corps, no immediate needs at tight end, and a stabilized offensive line, adding a versatile threat in the backfield could provide young quarterback Caleb Williams with the support he needs to thrive.
As we look ahead, this potential move feels like an exciting step in building a more formidable Bears offense. Keeping an eye on this unfolding story will be key as the draft approaches.
