Chicago Bears: 4 Running backs to target in 2019 NFL Draft
Bruce Anderson, North Dakota State (5-11, 209 pounds)
As everyone with eyes can see, the Chicago Bears need a running back who can add options to the offense. They need a back who can run hard and get important yards and one who can run routes and have good hands to make catches.
Bruce Anderson is just that guy. He is a running back who runs hard and works for every yard. Additionally, Nagy can draw up pass plays for Anderson as if he was a wide receiver. That allows Nagy to be even more unpredictable than he is now. Put him on the field with Cohen and together with the weapons at wide receiver and tight end, and this Bears offense becomes very dangerous. We could see more big plays than we saw in 2018.
The Bears could have Cohen and Anderson together and the defense has to pick its poison. Even if one is off the field there won’t be a noticeable difference in what the offense can do.
Anderson is a well-balanced runner who keeps his head up when defenders come upon him. A lot of runners put their heads down to brace for the hit and miss possible open holes. Anderson sees those holes and does a good job at avoiding some big hits. He doesn’t stop moving his legs when he’s hit, and that helps him get extra yards and first downs to keep drives going.
#NDSU RB Bruce Anderson continuing to show he’s a weapon out of the backfield. Strong catch through contact here: pic.twitter.com/i4c0Chnrsd
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 22, 2019
General manager Ryan Pace has had success finding diamonds in the rough. He found a good number of players from small schools in the middle rounds. He’s gotten players from William and Mary, Northern Iowa, North Carolina A&T, Ashland, Delaware and Western Kentucky who helped the team win key games. It’ll be nice to add North Dakota State to that list.
Next. NFL Free Agency: Early predictions for top 15 players. dark
Of all the running backs in this class, I feel Anderson is the best fit to the Chicago Bears offense. He is a natural hands catcher who doesn’t let the ball get to his chest to make a catch. While he runs hard to get tough yards, he has the body control to make defenders miss. If the Bears have a chance to draft Anderson, they would be well-served to jump at the chance.