There are three Running Backs the Chicago Bears have selected with the fourth overall selection in the NFL draft: Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, and Cedric Benson; can you guess the odd man out? Since the beginning Benson has not been what the Bears have expected; from the rookie hold-out, to the low production on the field, and finally two arrests just this past month. With the Bears decision to waive Benson the question now is who will lead this teams running game? There's plenty of options, whether they're already in the organization or not.
Matt Forte (25) is the in-house favorite to start next season
Inside the Organization
Matt Forte
The Bears selected forte with the 44th overall pick this past draft, and although hes never played in an NFL game, Chicago currently has Forte at the top of their Depth Chart. The 2007 Senior Bowl MVP is coming off a breakout season with the Tulane Green Wave, rushing for 23 Touchdowns and over 2100 yards. Forte is a power back, much like Benson, but the Bears are hoping he can succeed where Benson failed, and signing him early is a good sign for getting this kid ready for Sundays.
Adrian Peterson
Peterson has been with the Bears since 2002, but as of now it seems like he'll be staying put with his role as a backup. Peterson is an adequate runner but his average yards per carry have decreased every year since 2005, not a good sign for things to come. The Bears look to be convinved that Peterson doesn't have the skill set to be a starting back, but what he does provide them with another asset in the passing game. Peterson broke out as a receiving threat out of the backfield last year with 51 receptions for 420 yards.
Garrett Wolfe
Standing in a 5'7'', this second year back may be on the shorter side, but he plays much bigger than his size. In Wolfe's final year at Northern Illinois he led the nation with 1928 rushing yards, averaging 157 yards per game. Wolfe is a fast runner and is another backfield recieving threat; he only caught nine passes last year, but averaged13 yards per reception. Wolfe is only 23, and likely to get more field time with Benson out of the picture.
Outside the Organization
Kevin Jones
The questions with Jones have mostly been about his durability, but if he can stay healthy, he seems to be the best fit for Chicago. Jones is only 25 years old, and has been very productive when he has been given a chance to play. Jones had a great rookie campain with over 1100 rushing yards on 241 carries, but his rushing attempts have decreased each year since then from 186, to 181, to just 153 last year. Jones has a lot of upside and has been a very consistent runner, rushing for 3.6, 3.8, and 3.8 yards per carry in his last three years.
Shaun Alexander
Alexander is just a few years removed from being the NFL's MVP, but a few years can change a whole lot. Alexander does have 100 career touchdowns in 8 years expirience, but 27 came in 2005. Alexander may boast a familiar name, but he has been criticized for playing beneath his size and giving up too easily on plays. On top of a lack of aggression, Alexander has suffered injuries in both of the past two years, probably not someone the bears want to lead their running game.
Travis Henry
Last year Henry boasted statistics very similar to those of Cedric Benson; 4.1 yards per carry, 4 touchdowns, and 3 fumbles. The problem with Henry is that he has been very inconsistent as a back throughout his NFL tenure; he has three years with over 1200 yards rushing ('02, '03, '06) and four years with under 750 yards ('01, '04, '05, '07.) Henry has also has a history as trouble in the clubhouse. Henry tested positive for marijuana last season, and was released by the Broncos last season; Head Coach Mike Shannahan stated, "He’s just too inconsistent as a person."
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