Chicago Bears running back’s seat gets hotter as draft approaches

If Ashton Jeanty is available when the Chicago Bears’ No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around, it would be a shock if the franchise didn’t take him. But his arrival would bring a massive question mark over D’Andre Swift’s future with the Bears.

Swift’s debut in Chicago saw him nearly hit 1,000 yards with 959. He even got a career-high in carries with 253. However, he averaged a concerning 3.8 yards per carry. While the offensive line play could surely be blamed for some of the struggles, Swift wasn’t as consistent and demonstrative with his touches.

Jeanty’s arrival to the Bears wouldn’t just usurp Swift of his starting role, but it could send him out of Chicago entirely. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report sees Swift as a clear trade target leading up to the draft.

“D’Andre Swift only played one season with the Detroit Lions under then-offensive coordinator Ben Johnson because the team traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles in April 2023.”

“Now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Johnson may look to remodel his backfield again,” Moton continued. “So, Swift could experience déjà vu as a trade asset following a high draft pick at his position.”

“Even if the Bears aren’t able to draft Jeanty but still take a running back within the first two rounds, they could look to trade Swift before their organized activities start in late May,” Moton concluded.

Draft running back completely changes D’Andre Swift outlook

While nothing is concrete until the cards are turned in, it seems almost inevitable that the Bears will be taking a running back at some point in the 2025 NFL Draft. Any runner would take a bite into Swift’s offensive share. But the round that running back is taken will clearly show how the Bears truly feel about Swift as their lead runner.

If the Bears take Jeanty, the chances of Swift being dealt skyrocket. They wouldn’t use their No. 10 pick on Jeanty if he wasn’t going to command the running back room. While Jeanty is in another class, that remains true if Chicago uses their No. 39 or No. 41 on a running back. The Bears would want that player to step into a premier role immediately.

Starting with pick No. 72 is where things get a bit more interesting in Swift’s case. The team can still find a premier rusher, but he may not be on the same level of those selected in the first two rounds. Because of that, Swift may be able to maintain his lead role in the offense, while the new draftee plays second fiddle.

It’ll all depend on how the draft board shakes out. But Swift will certainly have his eyes peeled as to who the Bears select.

How Swift can remain with Chicago Bears 

While a trade would give the Bears valuable draft capital in return, they must also consider keeping him on the roster for the 2025 campaign. Even if he isn’t in the lead rushing role, Swift still provides value to Chicago’s offense at large.

If the Bears were to land Jeanty or another strong runner in the draft, Swift can move to a more pass catching role. He made 42 receptions for 386 yards in his Bears debut. Over his entire five-year NFL career, Swift has caught 237 passes for 1,798 yards and eight touchdowns. Having the running back operate as a pass catcher out of the backfield raises Caleb Williams’ passing floor.

Swift was named to the Pro Bowl in 2023, in his lone season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Perhaps behind a revamped offensive line, with an offensive-minded head coach in Johnson, Swift can regain his stride.

How the Bears decide to operate in the 2025 NFL Draft will be very telling. If Chicago goes running back in the first two rounds, it could spell the end of Swift’s time in Chicago.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-bears-running-back-hot-seat-nfl-draft?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chicago-bears-running-back-hot-seat-nfl-draft