August 2, 2007

Bears: Position preview — Running backs

2007 8-17: Wolfe in Bears 8-17: Tightends 8-16: 'Peanut' 8-16: Linebackers 8-15: D-Day 8-15: Madden '08 gets 8-15: Mannelly known 8-15: Cornerbacks 8-14: A step ahead 8-14: Offensive guards, 8-13: Benson has clear More

RUNNING BACKS

Cedric Benson

Height: 5-11

Weight: 220

College: Texas

Years of Experience: 3

Although it feels like the Bears have waited for Benson to emerge a lot longer than just two seasons, he will be forced to sink or swim this season. Previously in a platoon system with veteran running back Thomas Jones, Benson will now be the primary ball carrier after a predraft trade with the Jets sent Jones packing. Benson did increase his productivity over the final seven games of the 2006 season, recording his first 100-yard game with a 109 yard effort against the Packers in the regular season finale. Thus far, a number of things have seemed to derail Benson in his quest to prove his worthiness of the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft, but exactly what the Bears have in Benson will certainly be answered by the end of this campaign.

Adrian Peterson

Height: 5-10

Weight: 210

College: Georgia Southern

Years of Experience: 6

Peterson has steadily climbed up the depth chart and now appears to be the primary backup to Benson. Although his workload as a runner decreased significantly (10 carries in 2006 compared to 76 in 2005) that didn't lessen his value to the team. Peterson continues to be a key member of the Bears specal teams units as he recorded 22 special teams tackles, third best on the team, and has recorded 75 special teams tackles in his career. He also forced a fumble that lead to a field goal in the NFC Championship. Those responsibilities may be lessened if he is annointed the primary back up to Benson in the Bears ground game plans.

Garrett Wolfe

Height: 5-7

Weight: 186

College: Northern Illinois

Years of Experience: Rookie

A simple glance at the height and weight specifications of Bears third-round draft pick, Garrett Wolfe and durability questions immediately come to mind. It is a valid concern. Although he was a very productive runner and pass catcher at NIU he was injured every year he played at the collegiate level and staying healthy only gets more difficult at the pro level. But the Bears likely plan to use him in isolated situations as a third-down back and pass catcher to spell Benson and early indications are that Wolfe may be able to thrive in this capacity. He may also add another dimension to the return game, although he has limited experience in this area, despite a skill set that seems to indicate success there.

Josh Allen

Height: 5-11

Weight: 215

College: Maryland

Years of Experience: Rookie

Based entirely on the statistics netted in his senior campaign, it is hard to see why the Bears took a flier on Allen. But prior to a rather grisly knee injury that occurred prior to his senior season, Allen had posted some pretty solid numbers rushing for nearly 2,000 yards in his first three collegiate seasons. After a medical redshirt led to him missing all of the 2005 season, Allen tried to come back from the career-threatening injury with mixed results. Allen will get a chance to carry the ball on a limited basis due to the amount of running back depth in camp, but is a supreme long shot for a roster spot.

Jermaine Allen

Height: 6-0

Weight: 230

College: Staffordshire

Years of Experience: 1

Allen arrives in Bears camp from overseas. A British import, Allen was the leading rusher among European-born players in the past NFL Europe season gaining 123 yards during the regular season and added a touchdown in the World Bowl. Obviously, Allen is an extremely green player, considering he didn't even play college football. Staffordshire is in the United Kingdom, and the school, like most other universities in Europe doesn't have a football team. In early days in camp, Allen looks outmatched but certainly has the body frame to be an interesting project player should the Bears see enough to keep him around in a possible practice squad capacity.

FULLBACKS

Jason McKie

Height: 5-11

Weight: 243

College: Temple

Years of Experience: 6

McKie has completely climbed the ladder on the Bears roster, hanging on early in his career for one of the final spots on the roster before slowly beginning the climb to now becoming the regular starter at the fullback position. McKie started 12 of the 15 games he played at fullback last season, snagging 25 passes for 162 yards. However, McKie does face a stern challenge for his post from free agent signee Obafemi Ayanbadejo. Ayanbadejo does have a little bit more experience at the position but McKie has shown a knack for doing what the Bears need and might be a better fit overall for the team.

Obafemi Ayanbadejo

Height: 6-2

Weight: 230

College: San Diego State

Years of Experience: 9

It has been established that Ayanbadejo is something of a NFL journeyman. After all, Chicago is his fifth team in nine seasons in the league. But through it all, Ayanbadejo has established that he can have value in several areas on a roster. He is a capable pass catcher who snared 34 passes in a season as recently as two years ago and has recorded double digit special teams tackles in his last four seasons. Even if Ayanbadejo doesn't beat out McKie for starting fullback duties, he'll make the Bears roster deeper and possibly help soften the blow of the Bears losing several special teams standouts (Cameron Worrell and Todd Johnson) in the offseason.

Jon Goldsberry

Height: 6-1

Weight: 246

College: Purdue

Years of Experience: 1

Goldsberry spent most of his collegiate career posting good numbers as a linebacker and also played some fullback in goal-line situations. Goldsberry has bounced around three NFL organizations, only appearing in one game in the NFL, which was a solitary appearance with the Buffalo Bills. Goldsberry is an extreme longshot to make the team and the Bears would need him to be exemplary in special teams work to even consider including him on the final roster.