Chicago Bears made major pre-draft impression on underrated running back

It seems like a matter of when, not if, the Chicago Bears take a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft. When they do, it will significantly change the outlook of the team’s draft and entire offense.

If they use their first-round pick on a runner, they will immediate become the focal point of the offense. The Bears have been heavily connected to Ashton Jeanty at No. 10. Adding him would give Chicago a key offensive weapon to build around. However, it also means the Bears would miss out on the elite offensive and defensive line options in the 2025 class.

Instead, they can opt to use one of their later picks on a running back. Chicago has four in the top 75 and seven picks overall. One potential option could be SMU’s Brashard Smith. He met with the Bears for a pre-draft visit. Smith came away impressed with what Chicago had to offer, calling it one of his best visits, via Up & Adams.

“I had a great visit at Chicago,” Smith said. “I love the coaches, the people also. I’ve seen the teammates around and I was actually getting to talk to them. I feel like it’s a very cool spot to be at for sure.”

SMU RB Brashard Smith top 2 NFL visits…@heykayadams | @BrashardS pic.twitter.com/QDJKTq9wVt

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 21, 2025

Smith went on to say he spoke with cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who was a mentor to him during their time at Miami.

What Brashard Smith offers Chicago Bears 

Smith spent three years at Miami before transferring to SMU. He played wide receiver for the Hurricanes before transitioning to running back with the Mustangs. That plan turned out to be a success, as Smith gained 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns on 235 carries.

He still remained a weapon in the pass game, catching 39 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Furthermore, Smith was named First-team All-ACC for his efforts.

The running back followed up his senior season with a solid showing at the NFL scouting combine. His blazing fast 4.39 40-yard dash certainly caught the eye of scouts. Furthermore, Smith is just in the beginning stages of his shift to running back. Once he is under the guidance of NFL coaches, they can mold him into the player they need him to be.

But you can’t teach playmaking and athletic ability, which Smith holds in spaces. Having a proven pass catcher out of the backfield is something that will certainly intriguing Ben Johnson. If the play doesn’t develop down the field, Caleb Williams can dump the ball off to Smith. Getting the ball to the running back would give Chicago the spark they need on offense.

State of the run game 

Before getting into any specific running backs, it’s important to make a note of the offense line. While they were infamous for allowing a league-high 68 sacks, their work in the run game wasn’t to be lauded either. The Bears went out and traded for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney before signing center Drew Dalman. So to that extent of their run game, Chicago believes the issue is solved.

However, that doesn’t fix D’Andre Swift’s play. He received a career-high 253 carries in his debut with the Bears, turning it into 959 yards and six touchdowns. The near 1,000 yards is nice, but Swift averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. That won’t cut it as Johnson’s lead rusher.

The only other true rushing threat on the roster is Roschon Johnson, who matched Swift’s six rushing touchdowns in 2024. However, he received just 55 carries and gained 150 total yards. It’s easy to see why the Bears have been connected to running backs so heavily throughout the 2025 draft process.

Smith is projected to go in the mid-to-late rounds, so if the Bears prioritize other positions on the roster early, he can be their target. But whoever Chicago ends up adding, Johnson and company are expecting all to be difference makers sooner rather than later in the Windy City.