With Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season underway, all eyes will be on the Chicago Bears running game when the team takes on the Minnesota Vikings in an NFC North showdown.
While the offensive line and the play of 2024 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams will be under the microscope, the success of the run game could play a role in how successful the Bears’ offense is under first year head coach Ben Johnson.
The Bears will lean on veteran running back D’Andre Swift and rookie running back Kyle Monangai to handle the rock to start the season, but if they are not able to find success, the Bears could be on path to land one of the top running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
In Bleacher Report’s latest NFL Mock Draft prior to the start of Week 1 action, the Bears will add a weapon at running back who could make the offense under Johnson more complete, more dynamic.
B/R matches Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love with the Bears
Jeremiah Love is one of the top running backs in the nation after ripping over 1,125 rushing yards in 2024 to help lead the Notre Dame Fighting Average to the National Championship Game. While he had a quiet start to the 2025 season rushing for just 33 yards on 10 carries in Notre Dame’s season opening loss, Love is a force with the ball.
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At 6-foot-0, 206 pounds, the dual threat ability of Love will trigger a love affair with most scouts, particularly Johnson and the Bears’ front office prior to the draft. With his ability to dazzle in the open field and the power he possesses in breaking tackles, the Bears selection of Love would be a match made in heaven.
B/R writes:
“The Chicago Bears continue to build their offense in the image of Ben Johnson.
The team's front office gave its new head coach/offensive play-caller a rebuilt offensive line and another premium weapon at tight end this offseason.
Next year, general manager Ryan Poles can give Johnson a premium ball-carrier to implement into the scheme.”
After seeing how Johnson utilized Jahmyr Gibbs while he was offensive coordinator with the Lions, it is hard not to agree with Bleacher Report with this selection. The Bears could be drafting in the sweet spot of where Love is projected to be selected, so it’s a realistic pick as of now. While the season hasn’t even started for the Bears, there could be more pressing needs that get exposed as the season moves forward, but this one seems like a win-win situation in looking at the Bears’ roster.
As far as NFL Mocks and our latest full first round mock draft, we have the Bears selected edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the No. 18 overall pick. There could be more of a need defensively for the Bears once the season is over, but if there is a running back like Love available when they select, Bears’ fans should be thrilled. There’s also a chance seventh round pick Kyle Monangai settles that need.