ESPN NFL analyst advises Chicago Bears to pursue running back in first round of 2025 Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most intriguing recommendations from analysts revolves around the Chicago Bears and their pursuit of a running back in the first round. The Bears, a team that has been in the midst of a rebuilding phase over the past few years, find themselves in a critical moment of their franchise’s history. With a promising young quarterback in Justin Fields and a more robust front office under GM Ryan Poles, the team is primed to make a leap toward playoff contention.

However, while the Bears have made strides, the team’s offensive identity remains a work in progress. For years, the Bears’ offense has been inconsistent, and they have been searching for stability in several positions. Among the most critical needs is the running back position, where a talented and dynamic player could be the key to unlocking the potential of Fields and the offense as a whole. ESPN NFL analysts have suggested that the Bears could look to draft a running back in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that could drastically change the trajectory of the offense and solidify their future.

The Chicago Bears’ Offensive Landscape

Before diving into the specifics of why the Bears might target a running back in the first round, it’s important to understand the current state of the team’s offense. Over the last few years, the Bears have struggled to find a consistent running back who can take over games and be a reliable force in both the rushing and passing attack. Chicago has had a series of promising but ultimately underperforming players, including David Montgomery, who was a solid but unspectacular back for the team before moving to Detroit.

The most promising aspect of the Bears’ offense, however, is their young quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields, who has shown flashes of brilliance, especially with his legs, remains an incredibly gifted player with the potential to develop into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. The team has made strides to improve his supporting cast, but there’s still work to be done. For Fields to reach his potential, the offense needs to become more balanced, and that’s where the running back position becomes critical.

In the modern NFL, a dual-threat offense—one that can rely on both a strong passing attack and a potent ground game—is essential to success. The Bears’ lack of a consistent running back has hindered the offense’s growth and placed too much pressure on Fields to carry the team on his own. This has been particularly evident when the Bears’ passing game stagnates, leaving Fields with limited options and forcing him to use his legs to generate yards. A strong running back could help alleviate some of that burden and provide Fields with a more well-rounded offense to lead.

Why Pursue a Running Back in the First Round?

The NFL Draft is a complex event, and the decision to take a player in the first round is never made lightly. First-round picks are valuable assets, often regarded as franchise-changing players. The Chicago Bears, holding one of the highest picks in the 2025 Draft, have the opportunity to make a significant impact. The advice from ESPN analysts to pursue a running back with this pick is a bold one, but there are several compelling reasons for the Bears to consider it.

1. The Value of a Dual-Threat Running Back

One of the key reasons why a running back could make sense in the first round is the value of a dynamic, dual-threat player. In today’s NFL, the role of the running back has evolved beyond simply rushing the football. Teams are increasingly looking for backs who can also contribute in the passing game, either as a receiver out of the backfield or as a blocker to protect the quarterback.

The Bears are in need of a running back who can do both. Justin Fields thrives when the playbook is versatile, and having a back who can catch passes out of the backfield would open up the offense. This would allow Fields to take advantage of more play-action opportunities and help him develop as a passer.

Additionally, a versatile running back would take some of the pressure off Fields’ legs. While Fields’ ability to make plays with his feet is a huge asset, it can only be sustainable for so long before it wears him down. By adding a dynamic running back, the Bears would be able to reduce the risk of overburdening their quarterback and help balance the offense.

2. A Strong Running Game Can Elevate Justin Fields

As mentioned earlier, the most promising part of the Bears’ offense is Justin Fields. However, for Fields to truly take the next step in his development, the Bears need to put pieces around him that enhance his strengths. A strong running game, powered by a dynamic back, can make Fields’ job easier. With a reliable running back, the Bears can establish a more balanced offensive attack, which in turn opens up the passing game.

A workhorse back would force opposing defenses to respect both the run and pass, making it more difficult for them to key in on Fields. It also provides the Bears with the ability to control the tempo of the game, keeping defenses off balance and allowing Fields to make plays in more favorable situations.

3. The Strength of the 2025 Running Back Class

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to have one of the strongest running back classes in recent memory. Talented backs who can make an immediate impact in both the running and passing games are expected to be available, and many analysts believe the first round will feature multiple backs going off the board.

The likes of players such as Bijan Robinson (Texas) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) in recent drafts have shown that elite running backs can make an immediate difference in the NFL. For the Bears, taking a running back in the first round presents an opportunity to grab a player who could become an integral part of their offense for years to come.

4. The Bears Have the Capital to Invest in a Running Back

The Chicago Bears, through smart asset management and a solid trade for the top overall pick in 2024, are in a unique position. They have a significant amount of capital to address their needs in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the draft order still in flux, the Bears could either hold onto their first-round pick and select a dynamic running back or move up in the draft to ensure they secure one of the top prospects.

This flexibility in the draft allows the Bears to take the best player available while also addressing key roster weaknesses. If the running back position is a priority, the Bears could capitalize on the depth of this draft class and secure a player who could immediately contribute to their offense.

5. Offensive Line Play Needs a Strong Running Back

While the Bears have made strides in their offensive line, the unit still has areas that need improvement. A dynamic running back can help mask some of the offensive line’s weaknesses. A running back who is patient, quick, and has the ability to read holes can make a poor offensive line look much better by creating yardage on plays where it would otherwise be difficult to gain ground.

Furthermore, a running back with the ability to break tackles and make defenders miss can be an asset when the offensive line struggles to create clean running lanes. With the right running back in place, the Bears would be able to utilize a ball-control offense that helps them stay in games and reduce pressure on Fields.

While the decision to draft a running back in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft may seem controversial to some, it is a move that makes a lot of sense for the Chicago Bears. The team’s offensive growth hinges on developing a balanced attack that can both run and pass effectively. Justin Fields’ development as a quarterback will be much smoother with a dynamic running back to complement his skills.

The Bears are entering a crucial stage in their rebuilding process, and selecting a running back in the first round could be a pivotal decision that accelerates their return to relevancy in the NFC. With the strength of the 2025 running back class and the team’s need for a playmaker who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, the Bears would be wise to consider this route in the upcoming draft.

By securing a franchise running back, the Bears would be taking a major step toward building an offense that can compete with the NFL’s best, setting the stage for future success and potentially propelling the team back into playoff contention sooner rather than later.