While the Chicago Bears are drawing praise for their seventh-round selection of Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai, it seemed rather obvious that the Bears had plans on taking a running back much sooner in the draft.
While the Bears did explore a potential move up in the first round for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson appeared to be the likeliest of running back targets for the team in the second round. Instead, Henderson was taken one pick ahead of the Bears in the second round.
Reading between the lines from Ryan Poles' press conference on Saturday, it was clear that the Bears were boxed out from taking a running back prior to Monangai in the seventh round. In expanding upon that idea, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune provided details of the Bears' efforts to land Henderson last Friday night.
"On Friday evening, fingers in the Halas Hall draft room remained crossed that a swing at landing a playmaking running back would connect," Wiederer shared in the Chicago Tribune. "Poles pressed the gas and made aggressive attempts to trade up. Henderson’s blend of speed and vision, plus his tenacity in pass protection and skill as a pass catcher, were alluring. The Bears had significant interest."
Bears' efforts in the draft suggests another move is coming
If anything, the report from Wiederer should lend credence to the idea that the Bears will add a veteran running back to their roster before the start of training camp in July. All signs continue to point in the direction of Nick Chubb being that running back.
The failed efforts to land Henderson in the second round also provide more reasoning for the team's selection of Luther Burden. While Henderson was likely the top player they had on their board, after his selection by the Patriots, the Bears seem to have opted for the best player available.
