The 2019 NFL combine on-field drills featured running backs and offensive linemen Friday, and with the Chicago Bears allegedly in the market for a better running-back fit for Matt Nagy’s offense this offseason, you can bet they were paying close attention.
The overall theme of the running back performances in Indianapolis was speed, or lack of it; there were only a couple of prospects who timed well enough to describe as field-flippers and game-changers. But Nagy’s offense doesn’t call for speed; instead, running backs who bring a multi-faceted skill set are preferred.
There were a few players who certainly helped make their claim to be on the Bears’ radar this April. In fact, a few running backs did well enough to qualify as good value picks in the third round if they’re available.
Miles Sanders, Penn State
Sanders’ playing time at Penn State was blocked by Saquon Barkley until last season when he finally had his opportunity to shine. He ran for 1,274 yards and nine touchdowns last year, flashing a skill set that would qualify as a discounted version of Barkley.
At the NFL combine, Sanders proved his name should be mentioned among this year’s top running back prospects. He checked in at 5-11, 211 pounds and ran a 4.49 40-yard dash. He was one of just eight running backs to clock under a 4.50. He pumped out 20 reps of 225, had a 36-inch vertical jump and a fantastic 6.89 three-cone drill.
Sanders may have run and jumped his way into the second round. But if he slips to the Chicago’s pick in Round 3, the Bears will give him a long, hard look.
Alex Barnes, Kansas State
Barnes entered the NFL combine valued as a solid prospect with good size who could add depth to a running back room, but his performance at Indianapolis will force scouts to revisit the tape.
Barnes looks the part at 6-foot, 226 pounds. He ran a fast-enough 4.59 40-yard dash and showed he’s a gym rat with his 34 bench press reps (225 pounds). Add his 38.5-inch vertical jump and 126-inch broad jump, and Barnes’ day proved he’s more than just a backup. This dude can be a lead back in the NFL.
His tape proves it, too. Barnes is a patient runner with great vision. He runs hard and has enough wiggle to make defenders miss on the second level. He has deceptive hands, too. He had 20 catches last season, which isn’t a ton, but his film shows he’s a good route runner who was open more than he was targeted.
Keep a watchful eye on Barnes, Bears fans. He’s the kind of player who would shine in Nagy’s offense.
Mike Weber, Ohio State
Weber, much like Barnes, began his NFL combine experience trying to establish himself as a prospect worthy of more buzz. Mission accomplished.
Weber tied for the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.47). He didn’t do any of the other testing drills except for the vertical jump (33.5 inches), but his eye-opening speed was a big win for him.
Weber averaged 5.5 yards per carry last year when he ran for 954 yards and five scores, and at 5-10 and 210 pounds, he checks at least the position’s minimums for feature-back consideration.
While I don’t think his tape shows a guy who’s worth a pick on Day 2, his workout was definitely a positive for him and may have pushed him up a round.
Damien Harris, Alabama
Harris has taken a back seat to his Crimson Tide teammate, Josh Jacobs, during the 2019 NFL draft process, but he separated himself from some of the next tier of running backs at the NFL combine.
Harris (5-10, 216 pounds) ran a 4.57 40-yard dash and soared with a 37-inch vertical jump. It’s not surprising Harris had good explosion numbers; he confirmed what’s seen on tape.
Harris began the 2018 college season as the RB1 in this class, but his dip in production (876 yards, nine touchdowns) killed some of the buzz. That said, NFL teams will like his low carry load last season and will love his performance at the combine. He’s firmly entrenched as a Day 2 pick and should come off the board before the Bears’ pick at No. 87.
However, if he slides, he’d be one of the odds-on favorites to be Pace’s guy.
