Bears are keeping tabs on another RB prospect less than a month before the draft but his fit in Chicago might raise eyebrows
There's no secret that the Chicago Bears are in the market to add to the backfield in the 2025 NFL Draft. I mean it's something that both general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have literally mentioned this offseason.After not adding a back in free agency, all eyes are on the incoming crop […]
There's no secret that the Chicago Bears are in the market to add to the backfield in the 2025 NFL Draft. I mean it's something that both general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have literally mentioned this offseason.
After not adding a back in free agency, all eyes are on the incoming crop of backs. The conversation rightfully started with Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, the top running back in the class, who met with the Bears at the Combine and will have a Top-30 visit.
UNC's Omarion Hampton is another popular name who continues to build his first-round momentum with less than a month until the draft kicks off in Green Bay.
On Day 2, the Bears hold three different selections, including two in the second-round. One of those two picks could easily be a RB selection if the team misses out, or opts to pass, on Jeanty and Hampton.
There's still a strong group of solid prospects expected to fall on Day 2 who offer what Ben Johnson would in theory look for to pair with D'Andre Swift. But, the Bears are expected to meet with one later round back coming up who raises some eyebrows.
Bears To Have Predraft Visit With Brashard Smith
According to Joesph Hoyt, the Bears are expected to meet with SMU running back Brashard Smith on a Top-30 visit ahead of the draft.
The Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, and Houston Texans are also mentioned to meet with Smith in the coming days.
The reason this raises some eyebrows with me is simple. Smith isn't the power/lead back many project the Bears to pursue. In fact, he's more similar to D'Andre Swift.
Smith is 5'10, 196 pounds and is coming off a ridiculously productive season where he totaled 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground with 327 yards and four touchdowns receiving out of the backfield.
During the 2025 Combine, Smith's speed and receiving capabilities were on display. His 4.39 40-yard-dash time ranked 3rd among all RB prospects in attendance and he wowed during the receiving drills.
This doesn't seem like the guy you would pair with D'Andre Swift in the backfield, it seems like the guy you would replace him with. Let's not forget Ben Johnson was the OC in Detroit when Swift was traded away to get a different weapon-back.
Right now, Smith is the 196th ranked prospect on our A to Z Sports mock draft database, meaning he's likely a 5th or 6th round selection. I'm not saying this is happening, but keep an eye on this guy as a late-round target if the Bears like him even more after this meeting and then we'll discuss what it means for Swift.
Rising momentum could lead to Ben Johnson pulling off another Jahmyr Gibbs move with the Bears 10th overall pick
Should he considered a legitimate option?
