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Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace continues to add firepower to the offense through the 2015 NFL Draft. With the 106th overall pick in the fourth round, the Bears selected Michigan State running back Jeremy Langford. Of Chicago’s first four selections of this year’s draft, Langford is the team’s third offensive player chosen.
With as much need there is on the defensive side of the ball, especially considering that the Bears will be playing in a new 3-4 alignment, it’s a bit surprising to see so many offensive players taken in the draft. I guess Pace and the rest of the Bears brass feel that they did enough for the defense through free agency.
When the Bears acquired John Fox as their new head coach during the offseason, we knew that the team’s offensive philosophy would be different from the past two years. Under former head coach Marc Trestman, Chicago displayed a pass-heavy attack. Since Fox’s arrival in the Windy City, he has made it clear that the offense will now focus more on the running game.
The selection of Langford now puts five running backs on the Bears’ depth chart. Matt Forte is of course the first-stringer, and is followed by Ka’Deem Carey, Senorise Perry, Jacquizz Rodgers and Langford. Fox is known for giving several running backs significant playing time throughout the regular season, and from the looks of things, nothing seems to be different for the 2015 season.
This summer’s training camp for Chicago could be headlined with the battle of so many running backs fighting for position on the depth chart. With so many veterans ahead of him, Langford will have his work cut out for him.
Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller.
