Editor\u2019s note: We\u2019re doing some different things to keep the Bears conversation going during the slowest part of the NFL calendar, during the summer just before training camp. We\u2019re doing some roster projections and mailbags and divisional power rankings and now we\u2019re adding some debate to these proceeding. Enter our \u201cTake a Side\u201d series, where we\u2019ll discuss a polarizing topic each Wednesday until the Bears report for camp. Let\u2019s update a topic we\u2019ve touched on before, about the Bears running backs.<\/p>\n
The Bears essentially stood pat at the running back position. They added Kyle Monangai in the seventh round but nothing before that, in both the NFL Draft and in free agency.<\/p>\n
That shouldn\u2019t infer a lack of desire or attempt. Sometimes a prospect doesn\u2019t fall to you in a particular round. Sometimes a free agent chooses another opportunity or a bigger contract.<\/p>\n
Ryan Poles is left with feature back D\u2019Andre Swift, more physical running Roschon Johnson, and Monangai as the primary options.<\/p>\n
That allows us to bring up a topic that has been a prevalent conversation since the NFL draft. Things have changed a lot since then, so it\u2019s worth examining the situation in an updated landscape.<\/p>\n
Should the Bears add a running before the start of camp?<\/p>\n
Not anymore. Standing pat seems like the right thing to do.<\/p>\n
Head coach Ben Johnson has praised Swift at most every turn<\/a>, and Swift\u2019s motivation seems sky-high<\/a> following a relatively disappointing first season in Chicago.<\/p>\n Johnson also gained a positive impression of Monangai<\/a> during the offseason program. The Rutgers star was praised for his attention to detail and ability to pick up a new scheme. Whether that translates to a solid camp is uncertain, but Monangai\u2019s off to a good start.<\/p>\n Roschon Johnson is a former third-round pick who is a tough runner and probably deserved more carries than the previous staff gave him.<\/p>\n There\u2019s another factor here. The staff didn\u2019t sign several intriguing street free agents. That could be a sign that they\u2019re good standing pat. Or maybe they didn\u2019t want to invest a ton more in the position group.<\/p>\n Now J.K. Dobbins is in Denver<\/a>. Nick Chubb is in Houston<\/a>. Those might\u2019ve been the top options, with largely older backs left available. Jamaal Williams is over 30 and has worked well with Johnson previously, in Detroit, with 17 touchdowns in Johnson\u2019s first ye<\/a>ar as Lions offensive coordinator. His per-carry average has dropped significantly since then, though a flyer\u2019s never out of the question should Johnson not love his backs in training camp.<\/p>\n