Mel Kiper's Bears draft grade helps extinguish RB outrage

One of the primary positions fans wanted to see the Chicago Bears attack earlier rather than later, in the 2025 NFL Draft, was of course at running back.

The back field consisted of D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson leading the way, but not everyone was sold that those two would be sufficient. Of course, they have Ian Wheeler coming off injury who was making some noise last summer before getting hurt.

Still, the Bears needed a big move at the position. But, they continued to see teams taking ideal targets right before their eyes and, somehow, Chicago was left waiting until the seventh round before they felt it was the right time and right value to go with a running back.

When they did, it was Kyle Monangai out of Rutgers. Most fans had no idea who he was, and were still justifiably upset that the Bears didn't make a bigger splash.

Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Bears a strong grade for their 2025 draft haul

For fans still upset over the decision, draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. offered his perspective:

"Seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai might not be Jeanty, but he ran for 1,200-plus yards in back-to-back seasons and has some of the best ball security among the class' RBs."

Along with some fodder over the other picks Chicago made, Kiper made it known that Monangai was a solid pick. And, he's right. Monangai is a shorter, stockier back who makes life difficult on would-be tacklers.

He isn't the fastest, but his sudden movements allow for the old adage, "quick not fast" to be true here. Monangai plays much quicker than he does "fast." No, he doesn't offer breakaway speed. But, he fights for yardage and is very slippery in between defenders.

In a Ben Johnson offense, fans shouldn't lose hope over the fact that the team doesn't necessarily have a household name in the back field. After all, this Bears team now adds Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III to an arsenal of DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet.

The passing game is sure to take some pressure off the less-than-ideal back field.