The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 NFL season with sky-high expectations after a lackluster rookie campaign from Caleb Williams. With new head coach Ben Johnson and a rebuilt offensive line, Chicago could finally unlock the potential that made Williams the top pick in 2024.
One position remains a question mark, though. The Bears wanted to add a second running back during the draft process but couldn’t find the right fit. According to one analyst, the 2026 NFL Draft could provide the perfect solution to complete Johnson’s offensive vision.
How the Bears Could Recreate Detroit’s Two-Back Formula
Johnson built the NFL’s top offense in Detroit using a dynamic duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions finished first on PFSN’s Offense+ metric, largely thanks to their versatile backfield that kept defenses guessing. Now Johnson could replicate that success in Chicago if he gets his way in next year’s draft.
During the 2025 draft process, the Bears showed strong interest in Ashton Jeanty before he was selected early in the draft. With De’Andre Swift already on the roster, adding another dynamic back would mirror the formula that made Detroit’s offense unstoppable. The Bears have their eye on continuing that pursuit in 2026.
Matt Miller of ESPN projects Chicago will target Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love in his latest mock draft. Miller calls Love “one of the best running backs in the country” after a stellar 2024 season that saw him rush for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. Love also caught 28 passes for 237 yards, showing the receiving skills Johnson values in his system.
“He is a bruising runner at 6-foot and 206 pounds but can also break off big plays, and shake tacklers in space,” Miller wrote. “That, plus his receiving skills, makes him the perfect feature back for new coach Ben Johnson’s offense.” Love enters 2025 as the highest-graded returning running back in college football with a 91.1 grade from Pro Football Focus.
PFF’s Top 50 College Football Players for the 2025 Season:
#4: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
☘️ Highest Graded Returning Running Back (91.1) pic.twitter.com/LuicePhrYv
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 5, 2025
Love’s combination of power and speed would complement Swift perfectly. While Swift brings veteran leadership and pass-catching ability, Love could handle the heavy workload between the tackles while still threatening defenses on the edge. The Notre Dame back averaged 8.1 yards per carry in 2024, showing the big-play ability that made Montgomery and Gibbs so effective together.
Why Defense Could Take Priority Over Offense in 2026 for Chicago
Running back isn’t the only position Chicago could address early in the draft. The Bears have made minimal changes to their defense over the past two seasons, and some analysts believe that’s where they should focus their attention. Max Dorsey’s latest mock draft from PFSN has the Bears selecting Colorado cornerback DJ McKinney instead of Love.
Dorsey wrote, “McKinney has great length at cornerback, and his 6’2″, 190-pound frame will allow him to play on the boundary at the next level. On top of his frame, he possesses great athletic ability and can be an effective corner in either a man or zone scheme.”
The defensive approach makes sense if the Bears believe Williams can elevate the offense without additional weapons. Kansas City took a similar path with Patrick Mahomes, building an elite defense around their young quarterback rather than loading up on offensive talent. That strategy has helped the Chiefs win multiple Super Bowls.
Chicago’s defense already has the foundation to be elite with Jaylon Johnson anchoring the secondary and a solid front seven. Adding McKinney could push them over the top, especially if Williams takes the expected leap in his second season under Johnson’s guidance.
Whether the Bears go offense or defense in 2026, they have clear needs to address. The franchise believes they have their franchise quarterback in Williams. Now it’s about surrounding him with the right pieces to compete for championships, starting with the 2026 NFL Draft.