2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at running back

Q: What are the Chicago Bears' biggest needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bears are looking to address key needs in the defensive line, safety, and offensive tackle positions.

Q: How many draft picks do the Chicago Bears have for the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Chicago Bears have seven draft picks for the 2026 NFL Draft, including four selections in the top 89.

Q: Who did the Chicago Bears lose during the offseason before the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bears lost several key players, including wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and safety Kevin Byard.

Q: What was the Chicago Bears' biggest move in free agency before the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bears' biggest free agency move was signing Super Bowl champion Coby Bryant to fill a starting safety vacancy.

2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at running back

The Chicago Bears are in the middle of another important offseason, where they're looking to shore up the roster and remain contenders in Ben Johnson's second season as head coach as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.

The Bears didn't make any big splashes in free agency, where their biggest move was signing Super Bowl champion Coby Bryant to fill one of two starting safety vacancies left by the departing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Chicago also added linebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and wide receiver Kalif Raymond. But the Bears also suffered some big losses, including wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, Byard and Brisker, as well as center Drew Dalman, who shockingly retired.

Chicago has seven draft picks that includes four selections in the top 89, including a pair of second rounders, where they can address some of their biggest needs, including defensive line, safety and offensive tackle.

Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Next up is running back, where the Bears return their 1-2 punch that led the NFL's third-best rushing attack last season.

Who's on the roster?

D'Andre Swift
Kyle Monangai
Roschon Johnson
Brittain Brown
Deion Hankins

There were plenty of doubts surrounding D'Andre Swift heading into the 2025 season, but he proved doubters wrong as part of a 1-2 punch with rookie Kyle Monangai on the league's third-best rushing attack. Reunited with Ben Johnson, Swift had a career year where he totaled 1,087 rushing yards on 223 carries with nine touchdowns. He also proved to be a weapon in the passing game with 34 receptions for 299 yards and a score. Swift is heading into the final year of his contract, where the expectation is he'll once again serve as the starter with Monangai complementing him.

Speaking of Monangai, he proved to be one of the biggest steals of the draft after just one year. While the Bears tried to land some impact running backs earlier in the draft, Monangai turned out to be incredible value. As a seventh-round pick, he served as part of a dynamic duo at running back alongside Swift. Monangai totaled 783 rushing yards on 169 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and five touchdowns. He enters his sophomore season looking to build on his rookie success and keep this Chicago run game among the top of the league.

Elsewhere, the Bears have some promising depth pieces in Brittain Brown and Deion Hankins, who were both preseason standouts. Brown saw some action in the regular season amid injuries, and with Travis Homer gone in free agency, he could have an opportunity to work into that third running back role, along with Hankins. Former fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson saw his contributions on offense completely fade last season, and he played primarily on special teams. So it wouldn't be a shock if he didn't earn a roster spot, especially if Brown or Hankins can prove their special teams value.

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.

Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear

Nov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK

Oct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

Aug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 25, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach GEORGE HALAS Sr on the sidelines with assistant coaches SID LUCKMAN and GEROGE HALAS Jr against the Los Angles Rams at Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss

04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT

Sep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Who departed this offseason?

Travis Homer

Travis Homer spent the last three seasons with the Bears, where he served mainly as a core special teamer while seeing the field sparingly on offense. In his first season with Chicago, Homer appeared in 16 games. Unfortunately, he missed a combined 14 games the following two years due to injuries. Last season, he totaled 10 tackles on special teams while logging one carry for negative yardage. Homer signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, leaving an important hole to fill. While Homer didn't serve as an impact player on offense, he was one of the Bears' best special teams contributors. Now, Richard Hightower's unit has to find a viable replacement in Homer's departure.

Positional need: Low

All things considered, running back is near the bottom on a list of needs for the Bears this season. While they don't have a stud running back on the roster, they have a solid duo in D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai who complement each other well and helped contribute to the team's third-ranked rushing attack last season. In fact, Swift had a career year while Monangai proved to be one of the best value picks in the seventh round. If there's any need, it comes with the hole left by Travis Homer on special teams, but that doesn't necessarily need to come in the form of a running back.

Top draft prospects

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Jonah Coleman, Washington

The Bears aren't in the market for a running back in the NFL draft, especially given their needs at other positions. While last year's running back class produced the likes of Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, Cam Skattebo and Quinshon Judkins, the biggest name in this year's class is Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, who's expected to go in the top half of the draft. But, as always, there's some potential hidden gems that teams can find in the later rounds.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL draft 2026 preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at running back

2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at running back

TL;DR

Who's on the roster?

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Who departed this offseason?

Positional need: Low

Top draft prospects

Q&A

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