It seems like each passing day there are reports of a Chicago Bears rookie making noise at Halas Hall. It started with Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon looking like immediate starters on defense. Then it was Velus Jones popping for big plays at wide receiver and Braxton Jones stealing the starting left tackle spot. None of this even accounted for the fact that Trenton Gill already seems like a lock for the starting punter position.
There is suddenly a real possibility the Bears could have three or four rookie starters on opening day. That in itself is amazing. Still, the positive vibes keep coming. It seems another draft pick has begun turning heads in practice. Head coach Matt Eberflus praised the Bears’ running game of late, impressed by their consistent productivity in drills. Most assumed he was talking about David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert. As it turns out, that wasn’t entirely true. Sixth round pick Trestan Ebner is another name coming on strong. Josh Schrock of NBC Sports singled him out for his rapid improvement this past week.
“Sixth-round pick Trestan Ebner has strung together two excellent practices in a row. He’s an explosive athlete who has made some nice cuts while working with the second team.”
Chicago Bears are seeing precisely what they want from Ebner.
The primary reason he was drafted was his versatility. One of the problems the offense had last season was a lack of explosiveness in the passing game at running back. A sad byproduct of Tarik Cohen’s injury. Ebner was never a pure runner at Baylor, but he was one of the best in the country as a pass-catcher at his position. He finished college with 127 catches, 1,515 yards, and 11 touchdowns through the air.
Every offense needs a good change-of-pace back, and Ebner is perfect for the Chicago Bears. He is can be a real weapon on 3rd down while providing the coaching staff with depth chart flexibility. He won’t be the workhorse that Montgomery is, but don’t be surprised if he makes two or three meaningful plays every week this season. It will be interesting to see if he can translate his practice success onto the field in the preseason.
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Ebner is going to make waves, too talented and too fast for defenses to keep contained without giving up a big play downfield.
Kid can catch it. He’s real smooth and can fly. Excellent in return game as well. I expect him to be the 3rd RB. Can’t wait to see him at work this week.
This kid is a weapon
Never can have too many talented and tough playmakers at the running back position. A hungry bear is a dangerous bear.