Following the NFL draft, only one topic dominated social media for the Chicago Bears. What do they do at running back? After months of discussions about which big name they’d land at the position last month, it never materialized. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson couldn’t address it until the 7th round, making many speculate on whether the team could dabble in the veteran market for more help. Immediately, the name that came up was Nick Chubb, the Cleveland Browns’ former Pro Bowler.
It makes sense. He brings a power element to the game D’Andre Swift doesn’t have. He’ll likely be cheap since he turns 30 this year and has recent health issues. However, experts for the NFL Network don’t see him as the target Johnson opts for. In their minds, the name to watch is J.K. Dobbins, most recently of the Los Angeles Chargers. While he also has health concerns, he’s three years younger and coming off the best season of his career, going for over 900 yards.
Dobbins is the type of guy Ben Johnson would love.
The running back has a long track record of delivering in big moments. His best performance in college (211 yards and four touchdowns) came against Michigan in the pivotal rivalry game for Ohio State. He had at least 170 yards in two conference title games and a College Football Semifinal game. He proved it again in the NFL with a clutch performance against Tennessee in the playoffs as a rookie for the Ravens and then again last year with big wins over Cincinnati and Las Vegas to cement a playoff spot.
He’s not overly creative but tough, strong, and has the patience and vision to make the most out of every hole he gets. If Ben Johnson wants a discount version of David Montgomery, that is Dobbins. The Bears should be able to land him at a reasonable price. Everything comes down to whether they feel the move is necessary. Answers to that should arrive by the start of training camp.
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