Bears urged to draft 1,125-yard rusher in 2026

The Chicago Bears made an interesting choice this offseason when the team decided not to take a running back high in the NFL Draft.

There was some speculation that the Bears would draft Boise State's running back Ashton Jeanty, but he went five picks before Chicago could draft him.

The Bears didn't take a running back until the seventh round when they selected Rutgers' Kyle Monangai, and there's a good chance Chicago will look to take a running back high next year.

Enzo Flojo from ClutchPoints thinks the Bears should look to monitor Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for the 2026 NFL Draft.

"If there’s one position the Bears can afford to upgrade looking way ahead to 2026, it’s the running back room. Despite some flashes from Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert, Chicago lacked a consistent, every-down threat in 2024. They were rumored to be eyeing Ashton Jeanty before he went off the board in April’s draft. That sets the stage perfectly for Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love to enter the conversation," Flojo wrote. "Love was electric as a sophomore last season, racking up 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. He established himself as one of college football’s most efficient and explosive runners. At 6'0″ and 206 pounds, he brings a rare blend of size, vision, and top-end speed. His 98-yard touchdown against Indiana in the playoffs was a viral reminder of just how dangerous he is in the open field."

Love could be a top-ten pick next April, which could mean the Bears won't be able to draft him since there is a chance the team could make the playoffs this season.