The Chicago Bears surprised a number of people when they drafted Khalil Herbert in the 6th round. At that time it was generally felt the team didn’t need running back help. David Montgomery had over 1500 total yards and 10 touchdowns in 2020. Tarik Cohen was returning from his ACL injury and Super Bowl hero Damien Williams had joined the roster as well. That made for a solid three-man rotation. So why add Herbert?
Aside from being a capable running back in his own right, the prevailing theory is the Virginia Tech standout has ability as a kick returner. Having just lost Cordarrelle Patterson to free agency, there is a newfound void at that spot. One Herbert is capable of filling. All while offering even more capable depth at a position known for its heavy attrition. Not a terrible decision by the Bears.
Yet his value goes even deeper.
Across four years of college, Herbert touched the ball 527 times. In that span, he fumbled only twice. By comparison, 1st round pick Travis Etienne fumbled four times in 2020 alone. To say Herbert does a great job protecting the football is an understatement. As it turns out? There is a good reason for this. The rookie appeared on Bears All Access with a story explaining why he became so good at not fumbling.
For those who aren’t familiar, up-downs are a particularly nasty drill sports teams use to help build strength and cardio. Basically, you start in a standing position and then quickly drop to your stomach. Then you pop back up to your feet. Then the process repeats. Over and over and over. Herbert is saying he and his teammates did this every five yards after practice as punishment for even showing the football. Never mind fumbling it. That is certainly an effective way to encourage players to hang onto that ball.
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Khalil Herbert certainly is committed to his craft
One wouldn’t put himself through that kind of physical torture unless he was driven. Then again there was already plenty of evidence. Herbert decided to transfer out of Kansas when it became clear he wasn’t going to be a primary back in their offense. He went to Virginia Tech, became their starter, topped 1,000 yards rushing, and ended up getting himself drafted. That is a young man who took control of his career.
It is evident he isn’t afraid of hard work. That is a good thing. There is enough talent in his game to produce a solid running back in this offense. Somebody who can carry the ball 15-20 times per game if necessary while also reliable at catching it out of the backfield.
He is hungry.
Such a thing often leads to success. Khalil Herbert should end up being a contributor for Chicago sooner than later. It comes down to when he’ll get his opportunity. Smart money says he’ll have to focus on special teams until the coaching staff is comfortable enough to get him on offense. That doesn’t seem to be anything that he’s afraid of doing.